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I
THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS
1493-1898
THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS
1493-1898
o
The PHILIPPINE
ISLANDS 1493-1898
Explorations by Early Navigators, Descriptions of the
Islands and their Peoples, their History and Records of
the Catholic Missions, as related in contemporaneous
Books and Manuscripts, showing the Political, Eco-
nomic, Commercial and Religious Conditions of those
Islands from their earliest relations with European
Nations to the close of the Nineteenth Century
TRANSLATED FROM THE ORIGINALS
Edited and annotated by Emma Helen Blair and
James Alexander Robertson, with historical intro-
duction and additional notes by Edward Gaylord
Bourne. With maps, portraits and other illustrations
Volume IX—i^gs-i^^j
The Arthur H. Clark Company
Cleveland, Ohio
MCMIV
COPYRIGHT 1904
THB ARTHUR H. CLARK COMPANY
ALL RIGHTS RBSIRVID
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• • •• •
CONTENTS OF VOLUME IX
Preface 9
Documents of 1593
The second embassy to Japan. G. P. Das-
mariiias, and others; April-May. . 23
Two letters to Felipe II. G. P. Dasmari-
iias; Manila, June 20. ... 58
Memorandum of troops required in the
Philippines. [Unsigned and undated;
1593?] 74
Letter to the king of Camboja. G. P. Das-
mariftas; Manila, September 27. . 76
Documents of 1594
List of Philippine villages reduced by the
Spaniards. [Unsigned and undated;
1594?] 81
Letter to king of Canboja. Luis Perez Das-
mariilas; Manila, February 8. .86
Investigation of the hospital. Hernando de
los Rios, and others; Manila, February-
April 88
Report concerning the Filipinas Islands,
and other papers. Francisco de Ortega,
O.S.A.; [1594] 95
Decree for despatch of missionaries. Felipe
II; Aranjuez, April 27. . . . 120
•^n \ ^\o
4 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [Vd.9
Documents of 1594
Reply to the Japanese emperor's letter. L.
P. Dasmariilas, and others; Manila,
April 22-28 122
Three letters to Felipe II. L. P. Dasmari-
fias; Manila, June 15-23. -137
Documents of 1595
Letter to Felipe II. Pedro Gongalez de
Carbajal; [1595?] H7
Formation of new dioceses. Felipe II;
Madrid, June 17 150
Letter to Felipe II. Antonio de Morga;
Manila, June 25. . ^ -154
Expedition to Camboja. Gregorio da
Cruz, and others; August 1-3. . . 161
Instructions to Figueroa. L. P. Dasmari-
fias; Manila, November 13-16. .181
The Audiencia of Manila reestablished.
Felipe II ; EI Pardo, November 26. . 189
Letter to Felipe II. L. P. Dasmariilas;
Manila, December 6 193
Documents of 1596
Coat-of-arms of the city of Manila. Felipe
II; Aranjuez, March 20. .211
Decree regarding the bishopric of Nueva
Segovia. Felipe II ; Ateca, May 15. . 216
Instructions for Governor Tello. Felipe
II ; Toledo, May 25 218
Letter to Felipe II. L. P. Dasmariftas;
Manila, June 30 259
Letter to Felipe II. Antonio de Morga;
Manila, July 6 263
Letter to Felipe II. Francisco Tello; Ma-
nila, July 17 274
I593-I597] CX)NTENTS 5
Documents of 1597
Pacification of Mindanao. Juan dc Ron-
quillo; Tanpaca, May 10. . . . 281
Memorial on navigation and conquest.
Hernando de los Rios; Manila, June 27. 299
Letter to Felipe II. L. P. Dasmariilas;
Manila, June 28 315
Bibliographical Data 327
ILLUSTRATIONS
Autograph signature of Gomez Perez Dasmari-
fias, governor of the Philippine Islands;
photographic facsimile from MS. in Archivo
general de Indias, Sevilla 69
Coat-of-arms of the city of Manila (two repre-
sentations) ; photographic facsimiles from
original MSS. (dated 1683 ^^^ ^74-^) ^^
Archivo general de Indias, Sevilla. . .213
Map of islands of Luzon and Hermosa, with
part of China; photographic facsimile of MS.
map by Hernando de los Rios Coronel (dated
June 27, 1597), in Archivo general de Indias,
Sevilla. 305
PREFACE
The events related in the present volume (1593-97)
conclude the first quarter-century of the history of
Manila as a Spanish settlement. That city, although
small, is gaining in importance and prosperity; it is
fairly well fortified, and its public institutions are in-
creasing; it is now the seat of an archbishop, and
three dioceses are formed to be under his care. Rest-
less spirits among the Spaniards desire to conquer
neighboring lands ; this is partially accomplished in
Mindanao, but that island proves to be of little value.
An expedition is sent nominally in aid of Camboja
against Siam, but is unsuccessful. Meanwhile, the
Spaniards are not free from danger : the emperor of
Japan is apparently plotting their subjection; and
the natives of the islands, although nominally paci-
fied, are inclined to rebel. The increasing numbers
of the Chinese in the islands render them dangerous,
and various restrictions are imposed upon them.
Governor Dasmarifias, slain by his Chinese oarsmen,
is succeeded pro tempore by his son Luis Perez; but
the latter is too young for so important a post, and
the king reestablishes the Audiencia at Manila. Its
president, Francisco Tello, is also governor of the
islands.
In 1593 anotl}er ambassador arrives at Manila
from the Japanese ruler Hideyoshi. This is Faran-
lO THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
da, who furnishes a full account of the manner in
which Fray Juan Cobos had been received in Japan
the year before, and of his own appointment from
the emperor as envoy to the Spaniards, on which er-
rand he departed with Cobos. The latter perished by
shipwreck, Faranda arriving safely at Manila. He
professes a desire for peace and friendship between
the Japanese and Spaniards, instead of the subjection
of the latter; and asks that Franciscan missionaries
be sent to his country. Since he brings no credentials,
except letters from Fray Cobos, the governor orders
an official inquiry into the whole matter, and exam-
ines witnesses about it. Juan de Solis, a Spanish
captain who happened to be in Japan when Fray Co-
bos arrived there, thinks that the emperor is sincere in
asking only the friendship of the Castilians. Solis re-
lates the events of the father's stay there, confirming
the account given by Faranda. A similar deposition
is made by Antonio Lopez, the Chinese convert who
comes with Faranda. But there follows a long ac-
count, apparently obtained from conversations held
with this Antonio and several others, of intrigues and
plots among the Japanese to subdue the Philippines,
as they have done with Corea. The Spaniards are
warned against the Chinese who are in Manila.
Much of this is apparently the gossip of the Parian ;
but it affords curious side-lights on the relations be-
tween the Japanese, Chinese, and Spaniards. A let-
ter from Dasmarifias to the Japanese emperor (May
20, 1593) announces his despatch of another envoy,
the Franciscan priest Pedro Baptista.
Governor Dasmarifias writes (June 20, 1593) to
King Felipe, reporting the present state of affairs in
the islands. He asks for more missionaries, and
I593-I597] PREFACE II
States the qualifications that they should possess. He
intends to found a new Spanish colony in the recently-
pacified district of Tuy. All Luzon has now been
explored and pacified. The fortifications of Manila
are now in good condition; accordingly, the city is
safe from outside enemies, and the natives can see that
the Spanish occupation is a permanent one. The
cathedral is so nearly completed that worship is cele-
brated therein; and the convent of Sancta Potenciana
is well under way. Galleys are patrolling the coast
to watch for enemies ; but the clergy have so opposed
the efforts of the governor to man the galleys that he
could not equip them as well as he desired. The per-
mission given to the Indians to pay their tributes in
produce or in coin, as they might choose, is leading
to the ruin of the country; for the natives are in con-
sequence neglecting their industries and manufac-
tures, and prices are much higher. The royal offi-
cials, therefore, now collect the tributes in produce
only. Again the governor complains of the mar-
riages of wealthy widows to adventurers, who have
thus " defrauded several very honorable and worthy
captains and soldiers who serve here ;" he recom-
mends that heiresses be not allowed to marry without
the king's consent. He also advises that all collec-
tions of tributes be made by the royal officials, who
should pay the encomenderos their dues. Another
letter of the same date is especially interesting, as
containing the earliest data thus far available on the
first printing in the Philippines. Dasmarifias desires
the king to provide some suitable design for the coat-
of-arms of the city of Manila. He protests against
the heavy duties levied in Mexico on goods exported
from the islands. These letters are followed by a
12 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
memorandum - unsigned and undated, but probably
written about 1593 -of "the troops required in the
Philippines;" this is itemized, and gives a total of
1,517. On September 27, 1593, Dasmarifias sends a
friendly letter, with gifts, to the king of Camboja,
who is threatened by the king of Siam ; and he offers
to be arbitrator of their differences. An unsigned
list (1594?) is given of the villages reduced by the
Spaniards under an officer named Berramontano.
Luis Perez, son of Gomez Perez Dasmarifias, who
has succeeded to his father's office, writes to the king
of Camboja (February 8, 1594) renewing his father's
proffers of friendship for that ruler. At this time
Hernando de los Rios, administrator of the royal hos-
pital at Manila, demands from the government more
aid for that institution. Witnesses testify that there
is much sickness and mortality among the Spanish
soldiery in the islands ; and that the hospital, as their
only resource for care when ill, should receive an
increase of its present inadequate income, and new
buildings should be constructed for its use.
In 1594 Francisco de Ortega, Augustimian visitor-
general in the Philippines, presents a number of re-
ports and petitions to the king. The abstracts of
these papers which are preserved in the Sevilla ar-
chives are here presented. The first of these docu-
ments contains a list of the islands, with a brief ac-
count of their size and population, of the number of
religious already at work in them, and of the num-
ber yet needed. Next, Ortega asks for certain grants
from the royal bounty for his order : a fixed sum for
the building of the burnt monastery; an increased al-
lowance for the yearly support of the religious, as
prices have risen ; allowances of wine, oil, and medi-
I593-I597] PREFACE 13
cine for the Augustinian convent at Manila; and an
increase in the number of religious provided for it.
He complains that the Dominicans are, by their mis-
sion to the Chinese, intruding upon the rights of the
Augustinians, and prays for the establishment of a
convent of Recollect Augustinians in a place pro-
posed by him. Ortega urges upon the king the tem-
poral and spiritual importance of providing reli-
gious ministers, of striving to gain an entrance to
China, of accepting the advances of the Japanese king
of Firando, of conquering Temate, of resisting the
Japanese tyrant, and of pacifying Mindanao. He
asks that more troops be sent to Cebu ; that the Span-
ish settlement there be raised to the rank of a city;
that the regidors be crown appointees; and that its
people be permitted to send their exports directly to
Nueva Espafia. He also advises that the port of
Cavite be more strongly fortified. A royal decree
(April 27) orders that one hundred religious be sent
to the islands.
On April 22, 1594, a council of war is held at Ma-
nila, to agree upon the reply which shall be made to
an arrogant despatch from the Japanese emperor, os-
tensibly peaceful, but containing covert threats and
accepting certain gifts as tokens of vassalage. He
then reads a draft of reply, which is criticized as
likely to cause unnecessary offense by some expres-
sions therein ; an amended reply is read and adopted
by the council, a few days later.
Luis Perez Dasmarifias asks (June 15, 1594) from
Felipe II aid for two charitable institutions in Ma-
nila - the girls' seminary of Sancta Potenciana, and
the Confraternity of La Misericordia; also for the
establishment and support of a temporary lodging-
14 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
house for colonists, and of a hospital for the servants
of Spaniards. In another letter (June 22) the gov-
ernor commends to Felipe's favor Carbajal, the cap-
tain who had gone to Japan; the latter is now sent to
Spain with Hideyoshi's letter. On the next day, Das-
marifias advises the king of further news and de-
spatches from Japan, sent by the envoy Fray Pedro
Baptista. The Japanese emperor professes friend-
ship, but Dasmarifias does not trust him, and has done
all in his power to fortify Manila.
Carbajal, the captain who conveyed the Francis-
cans to Japan, writes (1595?) to the king, to inform
him of the prosperity and importance of that country,
and the attitude of its ruler toward the Spaniards.
The emperor has treated the Franciscans kindly.
Carbajal recommends that the Spanish trade in China
should be diverted to Japan. In 1595 the diocese
of Manila is elevated to an archdiocese, and three
new bishoprics are created - those of Ccbu, Nueva
Caceres, and Nueva Segovia. The king of Spain,
in the decree (June 17) making provision for this,
also appoints incumbents for these posts.
Dr. Antonio de Morga, sent to the Philippines in
place of Rojas, reports to Felipe II (June 25, 1595)
his arrival and inauguration as lieutenant-governor,
and urges the necessity of an investigation (which
was accordingly decreed) of the royal treasury of the
islands. He encloses the various official papers estab-
lishing his appointment and inauguration in due
form. In August of that year, Luis Dasmarifias is
persuaded to send aid to the king of Camboja against
the Siamese. This is requested in his behalf by
Diego Veloso, a Portuguese adventurer who has spent
ten years in that country, and who states that its ruler
I593-I597] PREFACE 15
has protected the Christian missionaries in his king-
dom and now should be aided by the Spaniards.
Certain stipulations are proposed to be fulfilled by the
king of Camboja in return for Spanish aid, and
Veloso accepts them in his behalf.
Instructions are given to Figueroa (November 13,
1 595 ) regarding the conquest of Mindanao. On No-
vember 26 following, the king issues a decree reestab-
lishing the Audiencia of Manila, and appointing as
its president the new governor of the islands, Fran-
cisco Tello ' sending him detailed instructions as to
the ceremonies to be observed in receiving the royal
seal, "which are to be the same as would be observed
in the reception of my royal person."
Luis Perez Dasmarifias writes to Felipe II (De-
cember 6, 1595) giving a general report of external
conditions in the province. After a reference to the
progress of various religious missions, he reports that
Figueroa has gone to pacify Mindanao, although a
dispute whether he is to be subordinate to the Manila
government is unsettled. He gives an account of the
projects of Veloso for assisting the king of Camboja;
and states that he, with the consent of both religious
and military authorities, has decided to make an at-
tempt first against Champa, but to send a representa-
tive to Camboja in order to keep the friendship of
its king. He urges the sending of a moderate force
against Siam, to be provided by the home govern-
ment. He announces that he is planning to send an
embassy to China, with gifts ; and he prays the king to
reimburse him for expenses connected with the send-
ing of this embassy. Toward the end of the letter
he discusses the gifts most acceptable in China.
Felipe II grants (March 20, 1596) the city of Ma-
l6 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
nila a coat-of-arms more satisfactory to the Spaniards
than the one which had been previously used. A
royal decree, dated May 15, 1596, regulates the status
of the bishoprics suffragan to the archdiocese of Ma-
nila. Ten days later, the king issues instructions for
the new governor, Francisco Tello. He is earnestly
charged to further in every possible way the interests
of religion, especially in the instruction of the natives,
and the completion and equipment of the cathedral ;
and to work in harmony with the archbishop. He is
to provide liberally for the maintenance of the hos-
pitals, and oversee their management. He must give
the king full information regarding the number of
missionaries now in the islands, and those needed
there, etc. ; and shall make arrangements with the su-
periors of the various orders for the most advanta-
geous distribution of the missionaries who shall be
sent each year. Every effort must be made to convert
the heathen Indians. Tello is strictly charged not to
meddle with ecclesiastical affairs, and to maintain
friendly relations with both clerics and friars. No
minister of religion shall be permitted to collect from
the natives any fees for burials, marriages, etc. Tello
is ordered to leave some missionaries at the Ladrones
Islands, for the instruction of the natives. Tribute
must be collected from all the pacified Indians,
whether converts or heathen. The ecclesiastics must
not meddle with the collection of tributes, or oppose
the governor's authority; for any reforms which they
may desire, they must consult with their superiors and
prelates, and send applications to the king. Tithes
must be paid more fully than hitherto. The duties
which the citizens ask to have repealed must still be
levied. Certain provisions are made for an income
I593-I597] PREFACE \^
for the municipality of Manila. Tello is directed to
see that the Chinese be removed to quarters outside
the city. No duties shall be levied on provisions and
munitions brought to Manila by foreigners. Various
other clauses are practically the duplicates of instruc-
tions given to Gomez Dasmarifias. Agriculture must
be encouraged in every way. The convent for girls
is to be aided and encouraged. Encomiendas may not
be sold or transferred to other holders, but should be
made large enough to support both the encomendero
and the instruction of the natives. The Indians
should be settled in "reductions" like those of the
American colonies, where they may be sufficiently in-
structed. Justice is not to be severe, and litigation is
not to be encouraged. Religious will be provided
as needed, and hence the priests are to publish no
objections to the taking of tributes. Soldiers are to
be well employed, receiving pay only when they have
no other income, and being exempt from arrest for
debt. Captains have authority only over soldiers, ancf
the military must treat the Indians kindly. The forts
and fortifications must be maintained, and a watch
kept constantly against enemies, who are enumerated,
"especially the English Lutherans." Reports as to
the possibility of new conquests are desired, but no
such enterprises must be undertaken without circum-
spection and justification. As the soldiers are now
fairly paid, there is no need of spoliation in conquests.
The regions nearest Manila must be conquered, for
there is rebellion now in the heart of Luzon. En-
couragement is given to extend conquests from the
Liu Kiu Islands to Java, Borneo, and the Moluccas.
The expense is to be borne by the royal exchequer, so
far as shall be necessary, although the plan of reward-
l8 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
ing the conquerors from the conquered territory is to
be followed. The Indians are to have the right of
paying their tributes in any goods at their own option,
to avoid extortion. The religious must not go to
China or elsewhere, but must do the work among the
Indians for which they were sent to the islands. The
Chinese suffer oppression and extortion.f rom the cus-
toms officers ; this must be corrected. Encomenderos
and citizens are not to leave the islands without per-
mission, on pain of confiscation of encomiendas.
Trade between the islands and China is not to be
given up, in spite of objections made by the Portu-
guese. Effort shall be made to teach the Castilian
language to the Indians. The governor must main-
tain cordial relations with the new Audiencia and
with the ecclesiastics.
Luis Perez Dasmarifias prays the king (June 30,
1596) for permission to lade a small vessel for Peru,
that he may make enough to pay off his debts. An
answer is deferred until after the residencia in his
case and his father's be taken. Morga writes to Fe-
lipe II (July 6, 1596) a general report. The country
in general is at peace, and fears from Japan have
been removed by the calming influence of the Francis-
cans there. Figueroa has been killed in Mindanao,
leaving an estate sufficient to carry on the expedition,
and infant heirs to his prospective rewards. The
expedition to Camboja has gone - the tone of Morga's
report evidently disapproving this; and an expedi-
tion to China has been forced to return. There has
been uneasiness as to the presence of so many Chinese,
and many have been sent out of the country. The
lines of Manila have been newly drawn, making it
easier of defense. Financial affairs require complete
I593-I597] PREFACE 19
reform. The officials of the treasury are under sus-
pension, pending investigation ; and the revenue has
been wasted for needless salaries and sinecures. The
soldiery devote themselves to trade, losing their mili-
tary efficiency and interfering with the business of the
citizens. The city of Manila is well provided with
funds, and the fiscal arrangements are just. Internal
affairs are in a bad way, because of the facility and
youth of Luis Perez Dasmarifias, and. the lack of a
regularly-appointed governor. Morga complains of
the meddlesomeness of ecclesiastics. He prays for
the reestablishment of the Audienca ; and reports that
the country is all pacified, needing now mainly re;
ligious. He praises the plan of educating the sons
of the natives at the Jesuit college. He reports the
arrival of vessels from the unsuccessful exploring ex-
pedition of Mendafia to the islands of the South
Pacific. In conclusion, he prays that, in considera-
tion of his poor health and the death of his children,
he may be permitted to return to Spain.
Tello writes to Felipe II (July 17, 1596) a letter
upon his arrival. He is pleased with Manila, al-
though many public requirements are not attended
to. The Chinese near the city require watching.
The archbishop has remained in Mexico. Trade has
fallen off; and soldiers should be sent yearly to
make up for deaths and losses. He recommends the
continuation of the Mindanao pacification at the ex-
pense of the heirs of Figucroa. In a postscript he re-
ports bad news from the Camboja expedition.
The pacification of Mindanao (begun by Figue-
roa) is continued by Juan dc Ronquillo. He sends
a report (May 10, 1597) of the campaign to Gov-
ernor Tello. After a fierce contest with the natives.
20 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
in which neither side gains the victory, a treaty of
peace is negotiated. Great distress ensues for lack of
food, among both Spaniards and Indians; and aid
from Manila is asked. Mindanao is a poor country,
and will be of very little use to Spain. Ronquillo
urges that supplies of troops, ammunition, and provi-
sion be sent from Manila, for the Mindanaos will
certainly rebel as soon as tribute is exacted from
them; and it is best to complete their conquest
promptly. The missions in this island have been
assigned to the Jesuits; but only one priest is now
there, and more are needed at once. The encomen-
deros to whom Mindanao has been assigned ought to
aid in its subjugation, and should be sent at once with
troops to the island. A brief outline of the campaign
is added, unsigned and undated.
A memorial by Hernando de los Rios (June 27,
1597) to the king of Spain urges the importance of
conquering surrounding countries, notably the island
of Formosa. He describes certain routes, more direct
than those hitherto followed, between Spain and the
Philippines, and also complains of the number of
Chinese who infest Manila. Luis Perez Dasmarirlas
urges on Felipe II (June 28, 1597) the evils result-
ing from the presence in the islands of so many
heathen Chinese, with their vices, cunning, and dan-
ger to the state. " Except for self-interest, we are
mutually contrary and hateful." He recommends
a number of severe measures limiting their activity,
and placing obstacles in the way of their employ-
ment ; and adds various notes recommending specific
regulations for them.
The Editors
November, 1903.
DOCUMENTS OF 1593
The second embassy to Japan. G. P. Dasmarifias,
and others ; April-May.
Two letters to Felipe II. G. P. Dasmarifias; June 20.
Memorandum of troops required in the Philippines.
[1593?]
Letter to the king of Camboja. G. P. Dasmarifias;
September 27.
Sources: These translations are all obtained from MSS. in the
Archivo general de Indias, Sevilla.
Translations: Part of the first document is translated by
Consuelo A. Davidson; the rest oif this, and the remaining docu-
ments in this group, by James A. Robertson.
THE SECOND EMBASSY TO JAPAN
[Statement by Faranda]
My lord the emperor Conbacondo * sends me as his
ambassador to your Excellency, as the representative
of King Philippe, to ask that we maintain hereafter
the peaceful relations required by the close bond of
true friendship and fraternity, for which reason I, in
the name of my lord the emperor Conbacondo and as
his ambassador, ask his Majesty King Philippe and
your Excellency to accept and receive that friend-
ship, as my lord the emperor desires. The letter
brought by Caspar, my vassal, was in order to ascer-
tain whether your Excellency and the other Spaniards
were friends or foes, and not, as had been imagined
or understood here, that you should become vassals
of my lord the emperopj and render him obedience
and submission. Having learned the truth, my lord
the emperor sent this embassy, ordering me to put on
the garment which I am wearing, which means
friendship and fraternity; for if we had come for war,
as was thought, my garments would have been differ-
ent, and I would have come in a different manner.
It would have greatly pleased me if it had been pos-
sible for father Fray Juan Cobos to come, to present
the sword which, as a token of friendship and true
^Another corruption of Kuwambaku (see vol. vm, note 42).
24 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [Vol 9
brotherhood, was given to him to be presented to your
Excellency; and to describe the kind reception ac-
corded to him there and the love shown to him, so
that I might have been more cordially received by
your Excellency. Your Excellency, not being ac-
quainted with the many things said in this city
concerning my visit, is very kind to receive me in this
manner, not knowing even who I am, which could
have been explained by father Fray Juan Cobos if he
had come.
Will your Excellency be pleased to order that a
reply be given to me as soon as possible, that I may
go away and take the other Xaponese who are here,
because it is time to do so, and because the Xaponese
who have come heretofore from Xapon are not of the
higher classes, but are very low. Your Excellency
should decide whether you do not wish them to go, as
people of this sort are a shame to the kingdom of
Xapon ; and, in case provisions or anything else are
required from my country, I will send them with
merchants duly registered. For that purpose I ask
your Excellency to give me a seal, and I will leave
here one of mine, so that all our procedures may be
uniform and harmonious ; for it would not be right
to have the people from the kingdom of Xapon come
here to rob the land and occasion scandals, thus giv-
ing a bad name to our country, and especially in a
country with which we have established close friend-
ship and with whom we are at peace. I also ask that
when the emperor needs the Spaniards in the wars
which he may wage, your Excellency will bind your-
self to send him reenforcements of men, and he will
do the same at any time when your Excellency shall
see fit to send to his kingdom of Xapon for soldiers.
I593-I597] EMBASSY TO JAPAN 25
Everything that I have asked from your Excel-
lency herein is in the name of my lord the emperor.
Your Excellency has doubted my authority, because
I did not present letters from my lord the emperor.
They are in the possession of father Fray Juan Cobos
and give me ample authority to negotiate with your
Excellency in regard to everything required to estab-
lish peace and amity. I will wait until I reach my
emperor's presence and I will then send the agree-*
ments written by his own hands, and signed with my
name, as a proof of my veracity.
\^Authentication'\
We, the undersigned religious, state that the am-
bassador did sign this memorial ; and I, Fray Gonzalo
Garcia, certify that everything contained herein was
dictated to me to be written for your Excellency in
the Spanish language by his order; and I as interpre-
ter had it written by one of the religious who here
sign our names. Dated in this city of Manila, the
twenty-seventh of April, one thousand five hundred
and ninety- three.
Fray GoNgALO Garcia
Fray Geronimo Vazquez
Fray Andres del Spiritu Santo
[Statement by Faranda]
Last year, one thousand five hundred and ninety-
two, Conbacondon, the emperor of the realm of
Xapon, commanded me to come to these islands to
negotiate for peace and amity with your Excellency
and the Spaniards residing here, your Excellency
having agreed to it as the representative here of his
Majesty King Don Philipe. In order to carry out
26 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
my emperor's orders I went as far as the province of
Sanchuma,' to a seaport, whence I was to sail; but
while making preparations for my departure, I was
attacked by sickness. Then, in order not to lose the
opportunity or to disobey said orders on account of
my illness, I decided to send in my place my vassal
Caspar, whom I greatly esteem, believing that he
would execute the commission well, as he is a man
experienced in all matters pertaining to these Islands,
having been in them before; and in consequence I
sent him, giving him the letter from the emperor my
lord. He came and delivered it; but, as there was no
interpreter, it was not understood, and he was dis-
credited because of the little authority he had, as he
was not an ambassador. For that reason your Excel-
lency decided to send father Fray Juan Cobos and
Captain Lope de Llano, who were to visit the king-
dom of Xapon and ascertain the truth concerning the
embassy which my said subject brought. When Fray
Juan Cobos arrived in Satisma he wrote two letters,
one to the emperor, my lord, and another to me as the
person to whom the embassy sent to these islands had
been entrusted. The said two letters were tied to-
gether, and I received them in the town of Mengoya,
where the court of my lord the emperor is established.'
For the sake of courtesy, I did not separate mine, but
took both and delivered them to the emperor my lord,
who read his and gave me mine - ordering a captain
*The province of Satsuma, in the southern part of Kiushlu
Island, the most southern of the main Japan group.
' Miako (more generally known by its Chinese name, Kioto)
was the capital of the Japanese emperors from the year 794 until
1868. Mengoya is probsibly the same as the modem Nagoya, an
important city in the province of Owari; in the other MS. the
name is Nongoya.
I593-I597] EMBASSY TO JAPAN ^^
and myself, one by land and the other by sea, to go
to meet father Fray Juan Cobos. We departed at
once, I going by sea ; and I met him at Geto, a place
between Firando and Mangasatte,* where I received
him with great pleasure, and brought him to the
court where my lord the emperor then was. Upon
being notified of his arrival, the emperor ordered one
of his nobles to give him hospitality in his own home,
so that Father Juan Cobos could rest there until a
house could be adorned with gold, to shelter him
with more pomp, because he was the envoy of so great
a governor and because he is a father, and known to
be a learned man, and that all his royal city might see
how grand a reception was accorded to him. Twenty-
five days afterward, when everything was ready to
receive him, I sent six hundred of the principal men,
nobles and gentry, to convey him to the emperor's
presence, sending a beautifully decorated litter, on
which the father was carried on their shoulders^
Everyone was amazed to see such a reception, the
like of which had never before been accorded to any
other ambassador, although many had come to my
lord the emperor, some to offer obedience, others to
negotiate peace treaties. It was because the emperor
knew that the Spaniards are a warlike nation, valiant
and honored above all other people, that he gave
them such a reception ; and so it was known over all
the court.
My lord the emperor was inside the fortress, and
when father Fray Juan Cobos reached the palace
he was bidden to enter the audience-chamber where
the emperor was waiting for him, and where he re-
^ Firando is now Hirado; and Mangasatte is apparently a oor-
niptioa of Nangasaki.
28 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
ccived him with the greatest honor and show of
affection ever shown to any man, seating him next to
himself. Father Fray Juan Cobos presented him
with the letter, which upon being read, showed how
doubts had arisen regarding the embassy sent by the
emperor the year before. My lord the emperor
called me, and asked me why I had not fulfilled his
orders - to which I replied that I had gone to do so,
but that, while at the seaport, I had been taken sick;
and in order not to miss sending his embassy, I had
entrusted it to one of my vassals, a Christian. Then
my lord the emperor ordered me to go with father
Fray Juan Cobos to visit your Excellency in his name,
and to deliver my letters and try to establish lasting
relations of friendship and amity; and finally sent me
away, after having given me full instructions as to
what I was to say and do. To father Fray Juan
Cobos my lord the emperor gave a sword of great
worth and value, as a token of friendship, for your
Excellency; and a letter, wherein it was written that
we were to be friends and brothers.
Father Fray Juan Cobos and I departed for the
port, but on arriving there he would not embark on
my vessel. So we set sail, he on his vessel and I on
mine. Upon leaving I told father Fray Juan Cobos
that it would be better to wait for the tide, and until
the moon came out; but he answered : " Your people
do not know or understand the sea." I am a pilot,
and, seeing that the high tide was against us, I
waited until the moon arose; but the father would
not wait, and so left, and I have never since seen him.
The advice I gave him before leaving was so that the
emperor my lord might not ask me why I had not
advised him, and so that the father himself might not
I593-I597] EMBASSY TO JAPAN 29
have reason to complain against me. I gave him two
of my kinsmen to accompany him, since he would not
sail on my vessel. Before he left, I asked the father
to give me a letter for your Excellency, because the
ocean was not safe ; and I asked also for some one who
would come with me to these islands, and who could
tell who I was, and state the reasons why I came. He
gave me Antonfo, a Christian Sangley. The said
Antonio asked the father for a letter to your Excel-
lency, and he gave it to him ; and so we separated, in
the manner above described.
I, Faranda Quiemon, ambassador of the emperor
of the realms of Xapon, state that the people of the
said realms are heathen, but have already begun to
accept the gospel law, and wish to become Chris-
tians; and if this desire and belief has not spread
more, it is because of the lack of ministers and priests.
I know that my emperor desires me to bring back
some fathers, provided they are of the order of St.
Francis, because this is an order and habit new to
him; and our Lord Jesus Christ and he will be well
pleased that I should do them this service. If your
Excellency will order this to be done, you will confer
a favor upon the said emperor and myself.
I beg your Excellency to favor me by commanding
that ten fathers of the above-mentioned Franciscan
order be sent to accompany me from this city to
Xapon for the said object - the said ten fathers to be
Fray Pedro Baptista, Fray Vicente Vermeo, Fray
Bias de la Madre de Dios, Fray Juan Pobre, Fray
Diego Portero, Father Gonzalez, Fray Francisco
Parilla, Fray Joseph, Fray Francisco Ribero, and
Fray Andres (an unsettled priest). Besides the fact
that we shall all take as a favor the service done our
30 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
lord) I promise in the name of the emperor and on
his royal word that they shall be well received and
well treated) and that no harm shall be done them;
and if they become unwilling to stay, and are disin-
clined to do the work for which they have been taken
thither, I promise to send them back to this city as
they came.
[^Letters from Fray Juan Cobos'\
The bearer of this is Faranda Quiemo, a Xaponese,
who goes in a new vessel, which has some red pic-
tures painted on the poop. She is a staunch ship, car-
rying one hundred and twenty men, Chinese and
Xaponese. It carries as a signal a red pennant at the
stem. Given at Cuxi, a port of Xapon, on October
29, 1592.
Fray Juan Cobos
[Addressed: "To Gomez Perez Dasmariftas,
governor and captain-general of the Filipinas Is-
lands, at Manila."]
Because of the uncertainty of the ocean, I send this
note by another vessel which sails together with ours
from this port, so that in case it reaches your Excel-
lency before us you will not be alarmed on our ac-
count. Our trip has been very prosperous, and,
should the Lord preserve our health, we shall, as
soon as we find ourselves in Manila, report to your
Excellency how well we were received by the em-
peror and how well attended, thus honoring our
lord the king, your Excellency, and our nation. Noth-
ing more at present, as I am writing these lines only
in case our ship should prove less speedy. From
I593-I597] EMBASSY TO JAPAN 3 1
Xapon, province of China,' port of Cuxi, Novem-
ber 4. Captain Lope Llanos kisses your Excellency's
hands ; he is very ill with quartan ague.
Fray Juan Cobos
[Addressed: "To Gomez Perez Dasmariftas,
knight of the Order of Santiago, governor and cap-
tain-general of the Felipinas Islands."]
The bearer is Antonio Lopez, a Chinese, who sails
on the vessel of the Japanese Faranda as a token of
peace, and to protect the vessel, so that no harm may
be done to it.
Fray Juan Cobo
May Jesus be always with your Excellency. It was
found necessary that Antonio Lopez, the Chinese, de-
part in the vessel of Faranda Quiemo, who is the
master of the Faranda who carries these letters and
was the source of all these messages. Although I
leave the port in Xapon before him, the fortunes of
the ocean are various, and he may arrive there first.
Glory be to God that our voyage has been very pros-
perous, as your Excellency will learn. As this letter
is only intended as a safe-conduct for its bearers (for
which we are hostages), and as a permit to Antonio
Lopez, I say nothing more except that I recommend
your Excellency, in case he shall arrive before I do,
to give them a kind reception, because we were well
received by the emperor. It is worth while for your
Excellency to send here for copper and hemp, on the
king's account, as I shall report to you at my arrival.
'Evidently an error in the MS. (which seems to be a dupli-
cate copy of the original) ; the other MS. has " Chaxuma "- i.^.,
Satsuma.
32 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
Captain Lope de Llanos kisses your Lordship's
hands; he is very ill with quartan ague. He is not
writing, because this letter is intended only for the
purpose above mentioned. From the realm of Xapon,
province of Chaxuma, at the port of Cuxi, November
4, 1592.
Fray Juan Cobo
Addressed to Gomez Perez Dasmariftas, knight
of the order of Santiago, and governor and captain-
general of the Filipinas Islands.
Decree
In the city of Manila, on the twenty-fourth day of
the month of May, one thousand five hundred and
ninety-three, I, Gomez Perez Dasmariftas, knight of
the Order of Santiago, and captain-general of these
islands, declare in the name of the king, our lord, that
whereas last year some letters and an ambassador
claiming to come from the king of Xapon were re-
ceived here, and, moved by suspicion and fearing
war, I sent the father Fray Juan Cobos with letters
for the emperor; and whereas it is over a year since
the said father left here, and, notwithstanding I have
received letters from him meanwhile, making known
his safe arrival and the prompt execution of his mis-
sion, I am anxious because he does not return ; three
Xaponese vessels having arrived, and in one of them
a man by the name of Faranda, a Xaponese who
claims to be the ambassador ; and as I wish to be in-
formed what sort of a man this Faranda is, and to
learn whether Father Cobos arrived there and how
he was received and sent away, and the purpose that
Faranda has in coming, and what are the intentions
and objects of the said emperor, and whatever else it
I593-I597] EMBASSY TO JAPAN 33
is expedient to ask in order to disperse and clear
away the prevalent uncertainties, and know whether
we are to have safety and peace with that king: I
hereby order that the following investigation be
made, the proceedings of which shall be attached to
the original letters sent by father Fray Juan Cobo
and to the memorial submitted by Faranda; and I
sign it with my name.
Gomez Perez DasmareSas
Before me: JUAN DE Cuellar
ITestimonyl
In • the city of Manila, on the twenty-fourth day
of the month of May, one thousand five hundred and
ninety-three, the said governor and captain-general,
Gomez Perez Das Marinas, summoned Captain Joan
de Solis to his presence, in order to make the above-
mentioned investigation. He took the oath before
God and on the sign of the cross, in due form, and
promised to answer truthfully the questions asked
him. The tenor of the questions having been read
to him, he said that, as one who had just come from
the kingdoms of Xapon, and reached this port and
bay but yesterday, and who was in Xapon when
father Fray Joan Cobos arrived there -where this
witness was building a ship (the one in which he
came hither) , and work on which he left and aban-
doned, in order to go to see, protect, and serve the
said father Fray Joan Cobo, and to instruct him in
^ From this point we follow the second and fuller account given
in the other MS. (see Bibliographical Data at end of voliune).
The two agree nearly to the end of Solis's deposition; then fol-
lows, in the first, a brief statement by Antonio Lopez, and a letter
from Dasmarinas to th^ Japanese emperor (whidi we shall give
at the dose of the second report).
34 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
the customs and usages of the country, as the father
came in behalf of his Majesty -he will relate here
what he knows. While this witness was in the king-
doms of Xapon last year, the emperor resolved to
send an embassy here. This he entrusted to Faranda
Queymon, but as the latter fell sick at the time of his
intended departure from that country, he sent in his
stead a Christian Xaponese, named Caspar, other-
wise called Faranda. This witness says that what he
heard and was told regarding that matter - not only
by the emperor himself, with whom he conversed
several times, but by other personages and nobles of
the emperor's court -was always that the intention
of the king of Xapon was only to ascertain, by means
of this embassy, whether these Philippinas Islands
were friendly or hostile to him; for if they were
friendly, then he wished friendship and alliance with
the governor and the Spaniards, and trade and inter-
course. If they were not friendly, then he would
consider them as enemies, and would attack them.
This was the object of the embassy, and the emperor's
intention, as he himself declared three or four times
in the presence of this deponent, in the following
formal language: " It is true that I sent Quiemon
on that embassy, for, as a man who knows that land,
he gave me an account of it. But what I wished was
friendship, and trade and intercourse with the Cas-
tilians, as I have been informed of the good treat-
ment given to my Xaponese there. I do not want
silver, gold, soldiers, or anything else, but only to
keep them as friends." This witness, as he knew the
emperor's nature, and his veracity, and the punctil-
iousness with which he keeps his word, thinks that he
does not claim vassalage, tribute, or any recognition
I593-I597] EMBASSY TO JAPAN 35
from this community and kingdom, nor does he in-
tend to commit any wrong toward this kingdom ; but
rather this witness believes and knows that the em-
peror will aid this kingdom with soldiers, and what-
ever else might be asked from him. Therefore he
thinks that he who interpreted the letter could not
read or interpret it, if he asserted that the emperor
demanded vassalage; for the characters used in their
writing are difficult to understand. Likewise this
witness declared, in regard to the arrival of father
Fray Joan Cobo in the kingdoms of Xapon, that he
saw that Father Cobo went from the port of Chando-
mar to Nangoya, where the emperor was residing,
and that this witness accompanied and entertained
him through the entire journey- about one hundred
leguas. This witness saw with his own eyes that the
city of Nangoya is a city of one hundred thousand or
more inhabitants. This city was built and settled in
five months. It is three leguas long, and nine leguas
in circumference. It was built by order of Quam-
baco, by which his power was manifest. As soon
as Father Cobo had arrived and was about to dis-
embark in the port of the said city of Nangoya, a
nobleman of the court came to receive him, bearing
three letters -one for the said father, another for
Captain Lope de Llano, and the third for the present
witness. They [the father and the two captains]
were borne on the shoulders of men to the house of
the man who came to receive them. There lodging
had been prepared by order of Cuambac. Within a
week, Cuambac had the father summoned ; as soon as
the latter had entered the palace, the emperor bade
him be seated, and received the messages that he bore.
Then he made the above assertion to him with in-
36 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
dications of great pleasure. After that he ordered a
collation spread for the father, and asked him if he
would like some tea to drink. The father replied
that he kissed his Highness's hands. As he rose to
go, the emperor ordered him to be taken to the
Chanayu - a small house where the most privileged
go for recreation and to drink tea^ with the em-
peror. This house is well provided with gilded
tables, vessels, sideboards, and braziers; and the cups
and basins, and the rest of the service, are all of gold.
There the emperor ordered a very fine banquet to
be spread for him, and had wine carried to him. He
again repeated the words above mentioned, two or
three times, and then sat down. After a moment's
conversation, he took leave of the father. Thirteen
days after that, he sent the father a catana or sword,
which is held in high estimation there in his king-
dom, because of its fineness and adornments; and a
letter for the governor. This letter was written on
a large sheet of gilt paper resembling damask, in let-
ters of gold. This witness saw it, and took it in his
hand, and had it read many times. In brief, it con-
tained these words : " I sent Quiemon, as he is a man
of intelligence, and as he had given me a relation of
that country, and the good treatment shown to my
vassals there; but I do not desire silver, gold, or sol-
diers, or anything else, but only fast friendship with
your nation, for I hold everything under my sway.
In Coray [Corea] my captains have already taken
the king prisoner, and are now near Lanquin, and
about to seize China. I am sending you a sword
now, in order that you may have some remembrance
from me in that country. You shall have this writ-
^ In the original, cha, a word of Chinese origin.
I593-I597] EMBASSY TO JAPAN 37
ten to your king, and shall send me his reply. To
the lioccata of Manila, Huye ^ama/' (that is to say,
"the great captain"). The honor shown to father
Fray Joan Cobo was never shown to any foreigner or
native, according to the assertion of this witness, as
one who has a thorough understanding of the cus-
toms and laws of that country. From all of the above
it can be understood that the said father was received
and his business despatched with great honor. And,
as to the father not having come to this country, this
witness declares that he knows that the father em-
barked, after receiving many presents and supplies.
The vessel on which he embarked was in poor re-
pair, and the season the very depth of winter. The
sea was in great turmoil, and the winds contrary.
On this account he thinks that the father perished at
sea. As to the person of the ambassador Faranda, he
knows him to be a man of influence in Xapon, who
was recently created a lord by the emperor of that
country. The emperor ordered him to come here
in attendance on father Fray Joan Cobo, as one who
was held in high estimation. For this reason, this
witness thinks that his coming is without any du-
plicity, or cause for suspicion - beyond a little vanity,
to show that he is a lord, and one whom the emperor
chooses for things as important as this. Therefore
this community has no grounds for fear of any
wrong being done by that country; but should, on
the contrary, esteem highly the friendship made with
the said emperor; and as the latter is a friend so pow-
erful and important, his ambassador should be served
and entertained in the manner that seems most desir-
able to the governor. This witness asserts the above,
by the oath he took, to be what he knows and what
38 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
he has heard. He is thirty-eight years old. He af-
fixed his signature to the above.
Joan de Solis
Before me:
Joan de Cuellar
In the city of Manila, on the first of June, one thou-
sand five hundred and ninety-three, for the investi-
gation of the aforesaid matter, an oath was received
in due form of law, before God and on the sign of
the cross, from Antonio Lopez, a Chinese Christian,
an interpreter. He took the oath, and promised, un-
der charge thereof, to tell the truth. Being ques-
tioned regarding the matter, this witness declared
that he went to the kingdoms of Xapon last year with
Father Cobo. He saw that the father was very
courteously received by the emperor upon his ar-
rival there; for he saw Father Cobo enter [the pal-
ace] and go to meet the emperor. He saw that Father
Cobo appeared very happy and cheerful, and heard
him say that after a few days he was to go back with
his business well despatched. He saw the father em-
bark well and happy, with a present from the em-
peror of a very fine catana, or sword, for the governor
of the Philippinas. Father Cobo gave this witness
a letter, which he brought to the governor, for he
sailed in the ambassador's ship, by order of Father
Cobo. This witness knows that the emperor was very
friendly to the Spaniards, and that the ambassador
Faranda Queimon came to make a treaty of peace.
The latter is the same man whom they saw enter and
go with Father Cobo to meet the emperor. Queimon
is not hostile, but friendly. This is the truth and
IS93-IS97] EMBASSY TO JAPAN 39
nothing else, on his oath. He is about forty years
old. He signed the above, according to his custom.
Before me :
Joan de Cuellar
Collated with the original :
Juan de Cuellar
[Endorse J: " Matters discussed with the governor
by Faranda, ambassador from Japon."]
Antonio said that he heard that the emperor of
Japon gave the conquest of these islands to Kunquyn.
He also heard the soldiers of the house of Kunquyn
say that they would like to come to these islands; and
they asked him if the people of Cagayan were sub-
dued. Upon Antonio replying " yes," they said " no,"
and that they knew it. He has heard that the king
of Japon gave the conquest of the island of Ermosa
to a Japanese; and that, when this man shall come
to these islands, he will come through them, island
by island, and that they had already set out. The
greatest distance between any of these islands is
about two days' sail by sea, and one or two nights.
The Xaponese laughed when they heard Antonio say
that these islands contained four or five thousand
Spaniards. They said that the defense of these is-
lands was merely a matter for jest, for one hundred
of the Japanese were worth two or three hundred of
us; and that, therefore, the conquest of these islands
presented no difficulty. They declared that the na-
tives of Cagayan were ill-disposed toward us; and
that the Japanese would no sooner land in Cagayan,
than the natives would deliver the Spaniards to them.
Antonio declared further that three large ships were
40 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
being built in Japon; and he could not understand
why, unless for these islands, as they had no need of
them for other purposes.
Antonio Lopez declares further that he heard in
Japon that the king ordered this ambassador to re-
turn with the news, if the people of Lugon should
submit. But if they did not submit, then he should
order none of the Japanese here to return to Japon;
as he would kill those who did return, for he wished
them to live here. Antonio thinks that caution re-
garding the Japanese here should still be main-
tained - for, as I understand, there are three hundred
or more Japanese here, and one hundred and fifty
came in the ambassador's ship. According to An-
tonio's opinion, no confidence should be placed in
the infidel Sangleys; for many of them have been
in Japon, and those most evil and most opposed to
the Chinese are those very Chinese. He declares
that a Japanese, named Don Baltasar, conspired with
Don Agustin at the time of the revolt. This was told
to Antonio Lopez by a Christian Sangley in Firando.
He declares that there are many of the Japanese here
who came to Cagayan seven years ago, and that the
pilot who has just arrived in this ship also went
to Cagayan, to plunder. He has many times
heard the Japanese say that they would go to Ciu-
teui, thence to Cagayan; and that the king of Japon
ordered the inhabitants of Liutai not to render hom-
age any longer to China. They recognized that coun-
try to the extent that, when the reigning king died,
his successor had to be approved by China. All the
trees in Japon are assigned to the king; and no one
may cut them without his permission. Antonio de-
clares that little confidence can be placed in the Sang-
1593-1597] EMBASSY TO JAPAN 41
lejrs, in the Parian ; for many of them, having been
promised some vassals by the Japanese, are in rebel-
lion. In Japon there is universal talk of the abun-
dance of gold in this land. On this account, the
soldiers are anxious to come here; and are coming,
as they do not care to go to Core, which is a poor
country. Those who come from Core say: " For-
merly when we were going to plunder their country,
the Chinese immediately united with us; but now
there is no one in Core who cares for our friendship,
but all love the Chinese even unto death."
Antonio thinks also that the infidel Sangleys should
not be allowed to go to the Visayas, nor a Christian
with many other infidels, as is the custom, but that
only Christians go, on account of the acts of treachery
and revolt that the Chinese, instigated by the Jap-
anese, may attempt. He declares further that three
or four Japanese asserted, in the king's court, that if
they should go to Manila, the natives themselves
would deliver to them the Spaniards dead. As he
understands, because of this and of other things.
Father Juan Cobo said that when he returned here
he would confer with the governor as to the advis-
ability of not permitting a single Japanese to remain
in the country. Antonio declares that Father Juan
Cobo left Japon so quickly, and at a so inopportune
season, because of his fears of the Japanese; and that
he had previously agreed with this Antonio Lopez
to send him to Hroguyaca, on the pretext that he was
going to China, but with instructions to change his
course at sea, and return here.
Antonio declares that Juan Sami, a master of Chi-
nese letters, who accompanied father Fray Juan
Cobo, read the letter given to this Faranda by the
42 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [Vol 9
Japanese emperor. It contained injunctions to sub-
due the inhabitants of these islands, and oblige them
to recognize him as lord. If the Spaniards should
not do that promptly, he [the emperor] would come
soon ; and had it not been for the dangerous sea for
half of the distance, he would have come already.
Juan Sami, master of Chinese letters, declared that
he accompanied father Fray Juan Cobo to Japon.
There the father met Juan de Solis, a Castilian, who
was much persecuted by the Portuguese. This same
master presented a petition to the Japanese king, by
order of father Fray Juan Cobo. This petition com-
plained of the injuries that Juan de Solis had re-
ceived from the Portuguese, who had stolen from
him a quantity of gold, silver, and other property.
He presented this petition to the king of Japon, on
the day when he met him. The latter accordingly
ordered one of his captains to return all the stolen
articles ; but as yet only five hundred pesos are paid.
Francisco de Loadi de Ofiate declares that he
knows Juan de Solis, who is a captain of the king,
our sovereign. This captain went, at the order of the
Audiencia of Panama, to Macan, in order to purchase
copper and other articles; but the Portuguese seized
all his money and his vessel. They sold the ship
very cheaply, and sent the crew as prisoners to Goa.
From sheer pity, he entered his pulpit one day, and
there complained of the injuries done to the captain -
among others, maiming one of his arms. After this
the aforesaid Solis, in company with a father of the
Society,* who was about to go to Japon as visitador,
* The Christian religion was first introduced into Japan by. the
preaching of the great Jesuit St. Francis Xavier, in 1549. Favored
I593-IS97] EMBASSY TO JAPAN 43
went to the said kingdom. Without the knowledge
of the father visitador, Solis, as soon as he arrived
at Japon, presented [to the king] a rich gift, which
according to various estimates cost seven or ten thou-
sand ducados. He also presented certain letters in
the name of the king our sovereign, whereupon he
was very kindly received by the Japanese king. The
latter gave Solis a letter ordering the refunding of
all that had been taken from him, with interest. After
this Solis obtained permission to build a vessel, which
was already completed, all but stepping the masts.
The boatswain was found dead one morning, and the
ship scuttled. Solis, after the Portuguese and Thea-
tins had denied that they had done this, went to Me-
aco. When the king of Japon asked him why he did
not go, he told him what had happened; and re-
counted to him what the father visitador had done.
Thereupon, the king began to persecute the Theatin
fathers. The witness declares further that the said
king gave the said Captain Solis a letter ordering
that no Portuguese or any other person should dare
or attempt to oppose him any further.
FRANCISCX) de Lorduy
Juan Sami declared that he saw and read a letter
from the king of Xapon to the governor of these is-
lands. Its substance was as follows : " Formerly I
was a man of little renown. Now all who live be-
neath the sky recognize me and are my vassals. I
ordered the king of Core to render me homage. At
by the Japanese ruler Nobunaga, the Jesuit missions rapidly in-
creased; and by 1581 " they reckoned nearly one hundred and fifty
thousand adherents in all classes of society, and over two hundred
churches." (Rein's Japan^ pp. 265-271.)
44 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [Vd.9
his refusal, I sent my captain to war upon him, and
seize his land even to the confines of Liauton.* This
Liauton is a land with many Chinese soldiers, near
which resides the king of China. I have seized the
fortress of Partho, which I have subdued, and it is
very devoted to me, because I love the people of that
fortress as fathers and mothers love their children.
Those who recognize my authority I do not ill-treat,
but I send my captains to war upon whomsoever shall
refuse to submit to me. I am writing this letter to
thee, so that it may prove a token, signal, and re-
minder. Thou shalt write these things to the king
of Castilla quickly, so that he may be informed
thereof. Do not delay, but write at once. I send
thee that sword, which is called quihocany He de-
clares that this letter was given to the father while
in the court ; and that when the father was about to
leave, he received a second of like tenor, written
later than the above. In it the emperor stated that
he was sending this Faranda as ambassador.
In what pertains to Corean matters, he declares
that the Japanese did indeed conquer the kingdom
at first, but that many soldiers came from the country
of Liacaton,who harassed the Japanese greatly. After
many of the Japanese had died by sword and disease,
the Chinese recovered this fortress of Partho and
other districts.
He declares moreover, that father Fray Juan Cobo
asked him: "Why dost thou fear to have the Jap-
anese go to China?" He answered him that the
Chinese did not fear them, as there were many sol-
• Liao-Tung, a province of Manchuria which lies between
Korea and the Chinese province of Chi- Li (in which is Pekin) ;
the former is also known as Mukden, from the name of its capital
city.
1S93-IS97] EMBASSY TO JAPAN 45
diers; and even if the Japanese should kill many of
them at first, many others would come afterwards.
When he asked the father if he were afraid to have
them come here, to Lugon, he said that the father
answered: "No, even if many hundreds of Jap-
anese should come." He declares that it was after
the father had talked with the king that the churches
were destroyed.
^Antonio Lopez declares that father Fray Juan
Cobo showed the king of Japon the kingdoms of our
king on a globe. He gave this to the king, with the
names of the kingdoms written in Chinese characters,
with the distances between them. The occasion for
this arose, because when the king of Xapon read the
letter written from this country, he saw so many king-
doms, whereupon he asked to have them pointed out
to him in detail, with their size and the distances be-
tween them. The father told him that the Portu-
guese were subjects of the king of Castilla. The
father wrote this to Hunquin, who requested it from
him in the name of the king. Antonio Lopez says
that he does not know whether it was on the occasion
of Hunquin asking the father why he did not ac-
knowledge subjection to him, or on the other occa-
sion of the father coming to say that the present which
he had taken to the king of Japon was not sent in the
name of our king (for he did not acknowledge any
superior), but that it would be from the Theatin
fathers ; but after the father had conversed with the
king, on his return they found the churches destroyed.
Moreover, he says that at some time during this
month Luis, a servant of Joan de Solis, will come
here. This man served as interpreter between the
46 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [Vd-9
father and the king of Japon, and also Hunquin.
Moreover, Antonio declares that when he was ac-
companying father Fray Juan Cobo one day, as they
journeyed together, he asked the father: " Father,
shall we have war in Lugon this year? " The father
answered : " No, we shall not." The father said
that he was going to Castilla this year to discuss some
matters that only he could discuss there, as he alone
had seen them; and that it would be advisable to
send fathers of St. Francis to Japon this year, for
the fathers do not desire money. The Japanese are
tractable in disposition, and they greatly desired the
fathers. The father said it would be advisable for
him to continue diverting them for four years, when
the fortresses in Manila would be completed; and
then there would be war.
Letter from the emperor of Japon to the governor
of Luqon
Formerly I was an insignificant man and held in
but little esteem ; but I set out to conquer this round
expanse under the sky, and those who live beneath
the sky upon the earth are all my vassals. Those who
do homage to me have peace and security, and live
without fear. But I immediately send my captains
and soldiers to those who do not render homage to
me, to make war upon them, as has recently hap-
pened to the king of Core. Because he refused hom-
age to me, I have seized his kingdom even to the
confines of Liauton, located near the court of the
Chinese king. Already have I seized the fortress and
district of Parto, and have pacified it thoroughly.
Although the kingdoms were in revolt and about to
make war, I gave them by means of my good plans.
1593-1597] EMBASSY TO JAPAN \^
thought out in one, two, or three dajrs, one after an-
other, laws and decrees, whereby I pacified them;
for I love my vassals as parents love their children.
The kings of other nations are not as I ; for although
they give me but little, still I receive them. In that
paper I am sending thee those words, in order that
they may serve as a reminder. Thou shalt write the
following at once to the king of Castilla : ^^ Those
who insult me cannot escape, but those who hearken
to me and obey me live in peace and sleep with se-
curity." I send thee this sword, called quihocan, as
a present. Talk with Tuquy at once, and do not
delay.
Antonio declares that Firanda's clerk said to him
yesterday: " Antonio, see that thou tellest the truth.
It matters little that we Japanese are about. Thou
shalt tell the truth.'' Antonio answered him that he
would indeed tell the truth, and what was not true,
he would not say.
Antonio declares that when he asked a Japanese
friend of his, who brings a few cotton articles, why he
served Faranda, and if it were better for his trading,
this Japanese answered that Faranda was their ruler,
and without his leave not one of them could return
to Japon. If Faranda did not obtain a favorable mes-
sage this year, then he would not return to Japon;
but if they treated him well he would return. An-
tonio declares that this good treatment means obedi-
ence to the king of Japon.
Moreover he declared that Faranda's brother told
him that four months are needed to go from Mexico
to LuQon, and from there at Lugon to Mexico an-
other four; and on this account but few soldiers could
48 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
come from Mexico. Japan is not more than twenty
days' journey distant, and therefore it would be well
for us to appreciate this fact. Antonio declares that
he told this to Father Juan Cobo and to Captain
Llanos.
Antonio says that one Usangro, a great friend of
Faranda, took him, while in Japon, to his house.
This man is now sick in the ship. Antonio says it
will be advisable for him to take Usangro to his
house, in order to repay his hospitality. He says
that he will try to find out from this man how affairs
stand.
He declares that those who accompanied Faranda
assert that the latter came to become governor of
Manila. All those of the ship say this, and he heard
it said likewise in Japon. He did not know whether
Faranda were to govern only the Japanese, or the
Tagals, or the Spaniards as well.
He asserts also that Faranda's servants told the
Sangleys to be careful of their actions, for their mas-
ter Faranda was to govern them also here at Manila.
He says that what he understands of Faranda's pur-
pose is, that the latter promised the king of Japon
that he would plan how these islands should render
the king homage. His intention is to take a certain
rich present with him, in order that he might say
in Japon that he brings recognition. But now, as the
father has not come, and as he believes that he will
not obtain the present that he seeks, he is sad; and
thus he will be very low-spirited, compared to his
previous state of mind.
He says also that when Don Agustin, a Tagal of
Tondo, and Don Baltazar, a Japanese, conspired to-
gether to seize Manila, Don Agustin gave the latter
IS93-1S97] EMBASSY TO JAPAN 49
a hat, and Don Baltasar gave the said Don Agustin
a morion and some cuirasses. This Antonio says also
[ that father Fray Juan Cobo conferred with him upon
the advisability of our concerting with China against
Japon, in the following manner: If the Japanese
should attack China, we would aid the latter; and
I if they attacked these islands, then the Chinese should
aid us.
; He asserts that the father once told him that Fa-
I randa, as he had lost his property, was about to come
to these islands to confer with the governor, so that
his two vessels might engage in trade between these
islands and Japon. When Antonio said to the fa-
ther: " Take care that thou dost not reveal the design
of this man, namely, to wrest Manila from you Span-
iards," the father responded that Faranda did not
dare do it. Antonio says that he does not know
i whether the father told this to Faranda to test him,
for well he knows it, but it is certain that the father
1 knows that the Japanese are trying to have the people
^ of Manila render homage to them^;
I
Miguel Onte says that he has heard it reffrted
that, about forty years ago, the Japanese were trading
in China. Then they were very mild, and feigned
to be very humble. But after they had learned the
passages, rivers, and entrances, they came to China
to plunder; and thirty-four years ago they vhhti
him and many others who were with him.
He says that in the time of Santiago de Vera, the
Chinese said to the latter: ^'Take care, sir, do not
allow the Japanese to come here; for if a few come
now, and receive hospitable treatment, more of them
will come tomorrow, and continually more, so that
50 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
what happened to us will happen to you Spaniards."
He says that he has heard it reported that the father
of this Faranda requested the conquest of these islands
from the king of Japon a number of years ago. To
this end he requested five thousand soldiers ; and the
king of Japon promised him ten thousand. He has
felled trees and prepared timber to build vessels.
Moreover, he declares that two other vessels are
about to come here now. Before the coming of the
Japanese this year, there were four hundred Japan-
ese here. These two vessels have brought almost
three hundred, and another three hundred will come
in the ships that are coming. Therefore much cau-
tion must be employed.
He says also that niany of the Sangleys who came
with Faranda declare that this Faranda wants a share
in these islands, and that they do homage to him.
Miguel says that he cannot understand what Faranda
wants here, unless it is this thing. If something is not
given him, he will not return to Japon, but will send
for troops.
He declares further that, when the Japanese made
their first assault in China, they were living there
peacefully. One night they set fire to the town that
they inhabited, and captured and robbed all the peo-
ple whom they could find. Many of the Sangleys
fear lest this be enacted here. For why has Faranda
come here to Manila, unless for this? It is said that
he is gloomy because of the non-arrival of the troops.
He declares further that what he understands of
the Chinese is, that if the Spaniards, when war should
break out, would make arrangements with the
Chinese to give them money and the heads of all the
Japanese that they might kill -giving them a cer-
1593-1597] EMBASSY TO JAPAN 51
tain sum for each head, and allowing them to take it
to China afterwards - many of the Chinese would
fight with good courage. Two or three thousand
soldiers could be found, who would fight very
bravely.
He says that it would be advisable to go to Patau
and Sian for saltpeter and lead. Sangley Christians
could go for this in their own vessels. He declares
further that, in case of necessity, they might bring
from the Atarrayas, whose habitations extend from
here to Palafiaque, more than thirty picos of lead.
I, Fray Juan de San Pedro Martir, declare that I
have learned, through a very certain and indubitable
medium, that one of the Japanese who accompanied
Faranda, and who is in his immediate service, told
a certain individual that Faranda was coming to
these islands in order that they might render him
homage. If they should refuse it, he would not dare
return to Japon; as the king of that country would
hang him, if he returned without taking Manila, or
its fort. There were five hundred Japanese here for
the accomplishment of this. In testimony of the
truth of the above, I affix my signature. April
twenty-four, onie thousand five hundred and ninety-
three.
Fray Juan de San Pedro Martir
"* f Antonio says that he heard it said in Hunquin's
house in Japon that ten baAes of soldiers (one hun-
dred thousand Japanese) would come here. When
this Antonio told them that these islands contained
only five or six thousand soldiers, and that here at
Manila there were no more than three or four thou-
52 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
sand soldiers, the Japanese said that so many troops
would be unnecessary; and therefore that ten thou-
sand would be sufficient.
He asserts further that his guest said, about three
days ago, that three days would be sufficient for five
or six thousand men to come here to Manila.
He says also that the clerk of Faranda and of the
ship (who was arrested yesterday), while talking
today with Pablo Rroman, told the latter that twenty
Japanese were equal to twenty of us.
Antonio Lopez says also that on the night when his
Lordship granted him leave to go to his house - the
night of the feast of the Resurrection - Pablo Rroman
was in the ship. This was told Antonio by the San-
gleys, in particular by one of his cousins. Therefore
they could ascertain from the father the intentions of
Faranda. He says that he heard that he was going
for copper.
This Antonio says also that, while he was in Faran-
da's house, Faranda ordered Don Pedro Leon, a
Japanese, to ask a Spaniard present to fence with
him. The Spaniard fenced, whereupon Faranda re-
marked that he was skilful. This he said in sarcastic
comment on us, as was gathered from his manner of
saying it.
He says also that the Sangleys who came in Faran-
da's ship complained that Faranda does not allow
them to remove their possessions from it, and that
none of them are willing to return with him.
He says also that the distance from Japon to Liutue
is three hundred Japanese leguas, which are equal to
two hundred Castilian leguas. In his opinion, and
he says the father thought the same, ten Japanese
leguas are equivalent to eight of ours.
1 593-1 597] EMBASSY TO JAPAN S3
He says also that a Japanese threatened Antonio
Melo, a Christian Sangley, that, if he sold the vessel
which he had brought from Japon, he would speak to
Cunbayo, who would crucify the Sangley.
He says also that one sails from Luiteui [Liukiu?]
to the island of Hermosa, whence he strikes Sioabue-
tabo, where the men go naked. If the weather is
favorable, this voyage takes two days and one night,
but if not, the only ports are in these islands of Liui-
tiui above mentioned. This Liuitiui consists of seven
islands. He asked this in Japon.
He declares further that his guest told him that, if
no fathers are sent to Japon this year, there will be
war next year. If the governor sends a present to
Cuanbaco, Faranda and Cuanbaco will be very glad;
but if not, then there will be war. Father Fray Juan
Cobo had discussed the same thing with this Antonio.
Antonio asserts, moreover, that he suspected in
Japon that Hunquin would not allow Juan de Solis's
ship to sail. He remarked this to Juan Sami, his
comrade, a Christian Sangley, who had gone to Japon
with him and father Fray Juan Cobo. He based this
assertion on the fact that when this Antonio wished
to bring the ship in which the father had come, Hun-
quin must have prevented its sailing; for, until this
Faranda left, a servant of Hunquin remained at the
port. Although this man was poor, yet Faranda re-
spected him, feasted him, and gave him a garment
when he left. His name was Hirobio.
Moreover, he says that his host told him that four
or five thousand men would come in large vessels
to conquer these islands, and that this number was
sufficient. Only ten ships would be needed for this.
He declares that, in his opinion, it would be an
54 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
advisable plan for the governor to contrive to des-
patch a couple of Japanese vessels without telling
Faranda that he would give him any present, or any
fathers to accompany him. He should show signs
that he wishes to detain Faranda, in order to ascertain
his intention in this way; for the latter has said that
his ship must leave these islands first.
He asserts also that the Japanese emperor admits
in his letter that the sword which he sent by means of
the same Japanese, is called guihoccan. This is a
Chinese word, which, being translated into our lan-
guage, signifies : '^ I am sending thee that token of
brotherly love. Cross the sea, so that thou mayst
render submission to me." This letter ^f, or word
gui^ signifies " love," and a token of the love which
exists between brothers. This word hoc signifies sub-
jection. Finally this word can signifies sea. Thus
" the sword guihoccan " admits of the above explana-
tion.
He declares also that his guest told him that the
ships would not come to this bay; but that the soldiers
would march here by land.
Miguel Onte declares that many Sangleys would
buy catanas, but they did not dare, for fear lest the
governor would take them away. He says the
Chinese would like to sail five days ahead of the
Japanese.
Antonio Lopez says that the helmsmen of the ship
have told him that they and the pilot had consulted
together as to the way of reaching Manila in the
quickest time, and says that they will come by way
of Liuteui. He declares also that he thinks that the
I593-I597] EMBASSY TO JAPAN 55
Japanese have detained Pedro Solis's vessel and an-
other one, which were about to sail ; for surely, had
they not been detained, they would have arrived.
He says also that the reason why the helmsmen do
not wish to return is because they know that the
Japanese are coming next year, and that the latter
will force them to bring them here. On this ac-
count, they wish to remain here and return to China.
He says, too, that great care should be taken ; for, in
his opinion, it would be very advisable to detain the
Japanese, and not allow them to return. For it is
certain that they will try to subdue us; but if these
do not return, the Japanese in Japon will be as
though blind. He says further that Faranda told
him yesterday that affairs were turning out well, and
that they and we would be friends; and that it was
very well that the governor had invited them. He
also said that because the inhabitants of Core refused
their friendship, and endeavored to fortify them-
selves, the Japanese retreated, in such manner as
their knowledge of the country permitted - not being
acquainted with the routes in the fortified part of the
country, but only with those where it was not de-
fended.
[Endorsed: "Ancient fears of Japon, 1593."]
Copy of the letter written by Gomez Perez Das-
marifias to the emperor of Xapon.
Last year I wrote to your Grandeur through father
Fray Juan Cobo, in reply to a letter given to me here
in your royal name, although I had good reason to
doubt the authenticity of the embassy as well as the
meaning of the words, and I have waited almost a
year to receive your statement and reply; and have
56 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
only received a very short and general letter from
Father Cobo, stating that he sailed away from there
six months ago, highly favored and with his mission
expedited by your royal hands, which I kiss therefor.
Two Xaponese vessels, which have been hospitably
received by me, have arrived here -one of them
bringing Faranda, who claims to be your ambassa-
dor, but who brings neither a chapa nor your letter,
nor an answer to mine, nor anything to clear up my
doubt. And now, considering the uncertainty of the
sea-voyage, and the fact that Father Cobo has not
come, I am more in the dark than ever, and more
desirous of learning your royal intentions and wishes.
For, although Faranda brings me no credentials, yet
I cannot believe that a vassal of your Grandeur, and
one to all appearance so honored, would dare to ap-
propriate and use your royal name without your
order. Therefore, in such uncertainty, I cannot do
otherwise than hear him and speed him in his mis-
sion. I answered a memorial which he gave me, as
he will show you. At present, to clear up the doubt
and uncertainty, I am sending father Fray Pedro
Baptista, who is a most serious man, of much worth
and character, with whom I counsel and advise in the
affairs most important to my king; in short, he is
my comfort and my consolation, as he is to all the
people of this state. He carries with him the letters
which have passed between us, and the copy of Fa-
randa's memorial, and my answer thereto, so that he
may there consider the whole affair with your royal
person and bring back to me the explanation and
certainty and decision which are to be hoped from
your royal heart. He has power from me to accept
and establish the peace and amity which are offered
I593-I597] EMBASSY TO JAPAN 57
in your royal name and requested from us by Faran-
da; and the treaty shall be held in force and observed
until such time as the king my lord, advised of the
facts, shall order me what to do. I trust that all will
come out as you desire. I, for my part, shall do all
I can to further this. May God keep your royal
person and grant much prosperity to you. From
Manila, on the twentieth of May, in the year one
thousand five hundred and ninety-three since our
Lord's birth.
I was particularly inclined to send this despatch
by one who, besides the high esteem in which he is
held by me, is a member of the holy order of St.
Francis, as Faranda requested this in his memorial
addressed to me, wherein he said that it would greatly
please you to see there fathers of this blessed order.
This man is one of most strict and holy life, which
alone would make him worthy of veneration.
TWO LETTERS FROM GOMEZ PEREZ
DASMARINAS TO FELIPE II
Sire:
Last year, 1592, I gave your Majesty an
account, in various letters (written in duplicate),
of the condition of matters in this country, and of
everything that had occurred up to that time of
which I should advise you, and at greater length.
Now I repeat that information, sending with the
present letter a brief summary or memorandum of
the various points about which I wrote, so that, being
thus reminded of what required deliberation, your
Majesty may be pleased to order that all these matters
be examined and suitable action taken. But lately
(April 27), on the arrival at this port of a vessel
from Mexico, I received no letter from your Majes-
ty or your councils, because no fleet went hence to
Mexico this year. Consequently I shall note here
only what has happened since last year. Since I have
had, this year, no news of your Majesty's health,
may it please His Divine Majesty, that when this let-
ter reaches you, it will find your Majesty enjoying the
health needed by the interests of Christendom, and
the prosperity for which we, your Majesty's vassals
and servants, pray; and may this continue so for many
I593-I597] DASMARlf^AS TO FELIPE II 59
long and happy years, so that the disturbed and
embarrassed condition of affairs which now general-
ly prevails may be reduced to order.
As I have written to your Majesty of our need here
of ministers to give^ Christian instruction, I have
great hopes that your Majesty has done us the favor
to send a great force of missionaries to this vineyard
and to this new field of Christendom, which so sorely
needs them. I hope, too, that these laborers will not
come from Mexico, but from Espafia, and that they
will be among those who are most needed there ; for
this land, so new and so distant from your Majesty's
royal sight, demands such men. Likewise they
should be humble, peaceful subjects, loving God and
your Majesty, and attentive to their ministry of
preaching the holy gospel and the salvation of souls.
They should not be men with selfish interests, or have
special objects or pretensions in view which would
divert them from their chief aim. I am hoping for
them chiefly because of the great need for them in the
province of Tuy. This province was rendered
obedient to your Majesty without bloodshed and vol-
untarily, by means of the fathers. At that time they
paid some beads, and rice, and some small articles of
little or no value, only as a slight token of recog-
nition. I thought it better, according to our prom-
ises to them, not to collect any tribute from them in-
side of one year; and although this time has expired,
still I have not thought it proper to collect the tribute,
because of our lack of ministers to instruct them, and
because I am thinking of founding a Spanish settle-
ment there. This latter I propose doing, on account
of the fertility of that region, and its superior climate,
as well as the robustness of the Indians*, and their
6o THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [Vol. 9
great vigor and intelligence. They have large vil-
lages and houses, abundance of rice, cattle, fruit, cot-
ton, anise, ginger, and other products. In that re-
gion fifteen thousand tributarios are subject to your
Majesty's obedience. When the year, as above
stated, had expired, I sent to Tuy, about five months
ago, thirty soldiers under their leader, for the sole
purpose of visiting those villages and ascertaining
whether they were obedient to your Majesty's service
and friendly to us. I sent them some beads, hawk's
bells, and other trifles of slight value, although these
things are highly esteemed among them. The peo-
ple were found to be quite peaceful, obedient, and
friendly, and were willing to pay the tribute to your
Majesty at that time, as you will see by the accom-
panying information. I was unwilling to have the
tribute collected until we have fathers to instruct them
-or at least, until wei institute justice among them
and found a settlement there. For this last-named
purpose I have no men, because many have died of
disease during the past year. I am considering
whether I shall make the settlement in Tuy, as it is
the capital, or between Tuy and Cagayan ; upon the
arrival of the vessels, and after I have ascertained the
fitness of the troops (for this vessel brought but few),
we shall determine what is best.
The same need of ministers is felt in the provinces
of Cagayan. And although all these provinces are
so truly pacified, and the Indians therein very friend-
ly and well satisfied, and all pay tribute, still the
fourth part of the tribute is not collected, because
of the lack of ministers. There is a countless number
of villages needing instruction, and all ready to be-
come Christians, and for this reason also I am await-
I593-I597] DASMARINAS TO FELIPE II 6l
ing ministers. I enclose information concerning the
excellent condition of that region.
I have written your Majesty before of the good
condition of the Zambales' affairs, and the severe
punishment meted out to them, and the lack of minis-
ters for the recent settlements made in pacifying
them. Because of this lack, we have been unable to
establish these settlements, as fully as is desirable -
although the highways are safe and open, while in the
mountain districts disturbances are but slight; so that
the good condition prevails that your Majesty will
see by the inclosed account. In Pangasinan and
Ylocos, the tributes have been lately increased, and
the whole district enjoys peace and tranquillity, as is
apparent by the other account enclosed. In all these
transactions in the above districts, there has resulted
no confusion; on the contrary, there is universal tran-
quillity and accord. The same peace and tranquillity
reigns in the provinces of Pintados, Cibu, and Ca-
marines; and although, at my arrival here, on the
opposite coast there were some things that needed
attention and adjustment, as well as in other parts of
these islands of Luzon and all this kingdom, there is
now no quarter that has not been explored, and that
does not render peaceful homage to your Majesty.
Your Majesty will have learned from my letters
of the satisfactory completion of the enclosure and
fortification of this city, since it was already walled
from the new fort on the point along the whole
stretch of seacoast to the round fort of Nuestra Sefio-
ra de Guia [" Our Lady of Guidance "]. This fort
having fallen, not having been properly constructed,
and so that it was of little or no use, I have reduced
it to such shape that it will be of use, by joining to
62 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
it a defense of cut stone, about as high as the fort,
and a rampart that commands all the country and
part of the sea. On the other side, I have built an-
other rampart, small and low, for the defense of the
principal gate of the city, which has been built there
under the shelter and defense of the projection of the
high fortification; so that fort is now safe and use-
ful. Afterward the work will be completed on the
other side. I am sending an account of this. From
this gate, the wall is being continued along the land
side toward the river as far as its entrance, with the
same thickness, height, and shape as the other wall,
and each with its traverses.
And now this city is enclosed by sea and land, so
that only one small portion fronting on the river is
open between that and the fort of the point. This
has not been enclosed, because that open space is so
small, and it fronts on the river between the fort of
the point and another cavalier named Sanct Gabriel
which has been built there. As these two are op-
posite each other and within easy distance, it is evi-
dent that no danger will enter by that place, for it is
the best guarded and most secure. And, too, as this wall
and fort have been built at so little or no cost to your
Majesty, except from the two per cent tax levied once,
and from your Majesty's monopoly- of the sale of
playing-cards, I ran so short of funds that I was com-
pelled to leave this bit of the shore unenclosed. But,
God be praised, the work in its present condition is
so far advanced, that no enemy who attacks me can
give me any cause for anxiety. Your Majesty may
see what has been done since my arrival here, by the
accompanying plan." This wall has had no less ef-
*® This plan is not in the Archivo dc Indias.
I593-I597] DASMARINAS TO FELIPE II 63
feet for the undeceiving of the natives. Hitherto
they have hoped that the occupation and settlement of
the Spaniards here was not to be permanent, as was
observed in a joint meeting of the religious orders
and myself, held in your Majesty's fort about one
month ago. At that time Fray Christoval, who was
managing this bishopric, said that, less than one
month previous, some chiefs of La Laguna (which is
five leagues from this city) had asked him when the
Castilians were going to leave. They will have been
already undeceived in this regard, and the insolent
and audacious designs of the hostile mestizos and
foreigners will have received a heavy blow when
they see this city enclosed and defended by land and
sea.
Although the cathedral church was being finished
when the vessels left, after the portal was built - al-
though with opposition and a suit, as your Majesty
will see by the accompanying papers -I had your
Majesty's arms placed upon it. Truly, that was suf-
ficiently contrary to the will of these priests here, who
-just as if your Majesty were some foreigner, and
not the sovereign, as you are, of all this land -de-
clare that, wherever the arms of St. Peter are placed,
those of your Majesty are unnecessary, to such a state
has the insistence and license of the ecclesiastics here
come. Finally, as to the building of the church, it is
so far advanced that, notwithstanding the little still
to be done, the divine offices are celebrated therein
with due propriety. The canons receive their pay
from their stipends, and are content therewith.
There is need of a prelate - who, as I have written
your Majesty, should be not a theologian, but a canon-
ist, in order to serve suitably God and your Majesty.
64 THE PHIUPPINE ISLANDS [Vd.9
The work on the new convent of Sanct Andres and
Sancta Potenciana for the shelter and training of
girls is well under way, although for lack of money
not so far advanced as I would like. However, the
girls are being cared for in the house first assigned
them.
As I have written to your Majesty, I have four gal-
leys fitted up, which are actually patrolling the coast,
and acting as a defense to these islands whenever
needed, although they cost me abundance of com-
plaints, both in and out of the pulpit, from these
blessed fathers, who have compelled me to make the
enclosed inquiries; and yet, with the rumors and
dangers current at the present time, these four seem
but few to the theologues. My only regret is my in-
ability to provide and fit them with all the things that
they lack, as I wrote your Majesty.
In accordance with clause 7 of your Majesty's in-
structions, whereby I was ordered to allow the In-
dians to pay their tribute in land products or in
money, as they chose, your order has been observed
hitherto. Experience has shown that the carrying of
this measure farther means the ruin of the country;
for since the Indian sees that he can pay his tribute
with ten reals, which he makes in one day's gain, all
the rest of the year he makes merry and spends his
time in idleness and leisure, drunkenness and maga-
balijas, which are his sources of income. Therefore
they do not sow their fields, raise animals, or weave
their cloth, or cultivate the fruits of the earth. On
this account no rice is found, nor one mata or 1am-
pote," which is worth more than three from China.
** A textile fabric of cotton made by the natives of the Philip-
pines; see Zuniga's Estadismo (Retana's ed.), ii, 88, where the
word is spelled lompote.
I593-I597] DASMARlfJAS TO FELIPE II 65
There is no cotton, wax, gold, or other article of ex-
change ; and all the trade here in these things has been
lost, as well as the great cheapness of these things
when the Indians paid their tribute in produce, and
not as they might choose. When it became evident
that the country was falling into ruin, and the pres-
sure brought to bear by the encomenderos in oppo-
sition to the religious orders, and the injuries and an-
noyances resulting from this method of collecting the
tribute were seen, it was determined that it should be
collected in produce, as your Majesty will see by the
resolution taken there. Therefore we shall collect
the tribute in accordance with this decision, until
your Majesty shall be pleased to order otherwise.
The bishop of Malaca wrote me the letter that I
enclose herewith. And although I answered him so
briefly, and without making a decision (as you will
see by the enclosed copy of the letter) , because I did
not like to say what I thought without first consulting
your Majesty, now, because of some news and infor-
mation given me in regard to matters of the commerce
and navigation of those regions and of these, I lay be-
fore your Majesty, in the enclosed paper, the draw-
backs and advantages on either side that I find in this
matter, so that, after examining them, your Majesty
may be pleased to order in all these matters what is
most suitable.
I have written to yourMajesty concerning the great
annoyances resulting from the unsuitable marriages
of widows and minors, who are wealthy encomen-
deras of this country. It is a fact that within the last
few days, three cases of very great inequality and ir-
regularity have occurred in the marriages of the
widows of very respectable captains, with an income
66 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [Vd.9
of more than four or five thousand pesos. One of
them was of advanced age, and quite unfitted for mar-
riage. They all married youths with little or no
money, who have employed evil methods to obtain
this end, and have defrauded several very honorable
and worthy captains and soldiers, who serve here,
and for whom such encomiendas were especially es-
tablished. These women inherited these encomien-
das from their husbands or fathers. This abuse will
result in the complete destruction of this country, and
the discouragement of its soldiers and conquistadors,
unless your Majesty remedy it. This can be done by
ordering that these marriages shall not be made here
without communicating with you, under penalty of
loss of such encomiendas ; and it should be provided
that the governor should not make this an opportunity
whereby to accommodate and provide for his rela-
tives and servants. Your Majesty will act accord-
ing to your pleasure.
The encomenderos and soldiers of this country,
who have grown old and married here, say, when-
ever I summon them for certain matters in your Maj-
esty's service - whether for actual service, or only to
confer with them - that they are old, that they have
served sufficiently, and that they are embarrassed
with wives and children. Thus I find them disin-
clined to any service ; but, if I do not summon them,
they assert that I give them nothing to do, and do
not consult them at all. The worst of it all is that
they all imagine themselves capable of giving coun-
sel. Those who are capable know very well that I
employ them, and consult them in matters about
which I think they have something to say. For those
who would complain, I leave the door open, so that
I593-I597] DASMARINAS TO FELIPE II (fj
they may present their arguments in regard to the
mistakes made hitherto.
Having ascertained very carefully the extortions
and injuries inflicted on the Indians by the encomen-
deros and their collectors, in the collection of their
tributes, I have thought that it might be a good plan
to have the tributes of all the encomiendas collected
in your Majesty's name, and placed in the royal treas-
ury; then they could be paid out from it to the en-
comenderos. By this method innumerable acts of
tyranny and insolence would be avoided, which can
not be remedied, especially in encomiendas distant
from here one hundred, one hundred and fifty, or two
hundred leguas. Not one case of punishment has
occurred in these encomiendas, although there are
wrongs. We must go there with the authority of the
law. Thus all the encomiendas would have but one
master and true proprietor - namely, your Majesty.
The collectors would be appointed by one person,
and would be men of merit, and conscientious and
moral. The estate of the temporal " encomenderos
would be managed for them at less cost than they
themselves would incur therein, and all the tributes
would be collected without any care or trouble on
their part. Although this might be somewhat severe
on those who already possess encomiendas, it might
at least be adopted for those in the future who are
granted favors and new appointments (just as if the
encomienda were vacant) , so that this so commend-
able usage might be introduced. In reality the
value of the encomienda would be given to them,
^' Spanish, encomenderos temporales ; apparently referring to
grants of encomiendas made for a limited time, or to those which
were held subject to an annual pension.
68 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [Vol. 9
minus the cost of collection; and the instruction,
would be much better paid, although this latter is
regulated as carefully as possible. By this method,
too, certain soldiers who are poor and still in service
could be appointed to make these collections. May
our Lord, etc. From Manila, June xx, 1593.
Gomez Perez DasmariI^as
Sire:
Because of the great need, I have granted in your
Majesty's name a license for this once for the
printing of the ^^ Christian Doctrine," copies of
which I enclose herewith -one in the Tagal lan-
guage, which is the native and the best language of
these islands, and the other in the Chinese language."
I hope that great benefits will result therefrom in the
conversion and instruction of the people of both
nations. And because the countries of the Yndias
^* It has been g;enerally supposed that the first book printed in
the Philippines was the Arte y reglas de la lengua Tagda (Bataan,
1610). J. T. Medina cites the Historia eclesiasHca of Fray Alon-
so Fernandez (Toledo, 161 1- but he cites p. 100 of edition of
1693), to show that in 1602 a book was published at IVlanila con-
cerning Our Lady of the Rosary. But this letter of DasmariAas
proves conclusively that printing in the islands goes back to at
least as early a date as 1593. It was published by Retana in
Politica de Espaha en Filipinos (October 23, 1899) ; and in part
by Medina, who conjectures that the " Christian Doctrine " there
mentioned was composed by Fray Juan de Plasencia. Aduarte
states explicitly {Historia, ed. 1640, i, p. 108, and ii, p. 16) that
the first printer in the islands was Juan de Vera, a Chinese convert,
in the Dominican cpnvent at Manila; and that he was incited to
do this work by the Dominican friar Francisco de San Joseph.
But he also states that the latter came to the Philippines with
Benavides (1595). For further accounts of printing in the is-
lands, see Medina's Imprenta en Manila (Santiago de Chile,
1896), pp. v-lxxvi; Retana's Zuhiga, ii, pp. 93*-ioo*; and Mid-
dleton's Notes on Bibliography of Philippines (Philadelphia,
1900), pp. 27-37.
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I593-I597] DASMARlfJAS TO FELIPE II ^\
are on a larger scale in everything, and because things
are more expensive in them, I have set the price at
four reals apiece until your Majesty is pleased to de-
cree what is to be done.
On certain of the buildings of this city, upon
which it is advisable to have the city's arms placed -
as the houses of the cabildo, the prison, and others
built at the expense of the city - 1 have not allowed
the arms to be placed ; for the arms which are now on
some cloths ^^ on its cabildo, which are those used at
the discovery of this country, seem to me to have more
meaning and to be more pleasing to the natives of the
country than to the Spaniards who settled it For
they represent a bark or frigate in a river, with a
shore lined with cocoa-palms, which is a fruit of this
country. If some memorial of some king im-
prisoned, or some notable deed were to be placed on
them, they [the Spaniards] would consider them
suitable. But of them, I say, that should the Indians
seek for a coat of arms as a memorial of their native
place and country, they could find none more suitable.
Therefore I believe that the city will adopt with
ready compliance such design as your Majesty may
ordain. For this purpose, I have ordered that, on
the facades of the principal gate of this city, and in
other places, where I have had your Majesty's arids
placed, collateral stones be placed for those of the
city, as yet left blank, until your Majesty shall de-
termine what shall be decreed in the matter.
The procession made here on Corpus Christi day,
with the assent of the bishop, passed before his resi-
dence; and although but twenty or thirty paces from
^* Apparently meaning pieces of canvas on which the arms were
painted.
72 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [Vdi.9
the royal buildings, the procession did not go to them,
which they could have done at the cost of so little
time and space, and would not, on that account, have
been prevented from returning to the house of the
bishop. Will your Majesty order in this regard ac-
cording to your pleasure.
The city is concerned, and I believe I wrote to your
Majesty, about the ten per cent duty imposed in
Mexico recently on merchandise from this country;
and although I desire nothing so much as that there
be found a way to provide for the pressing need in
which your Majesty finds yourself in these necessitous
times, still, with your Majesty's permission, I will say
only concerning this, that, although it is true that the
profits of this merchandise, if well administered,
might endure this duty, yet the citizens of this coun-
try are poor, the money and capital are restricted,
and the land is new ; and at the beginning these gains
were larger than now, since, because of the heavy
expenses, the net profit obtained is much less. Like-
wise it appears that the same statement is true of the
natives, who feel keenly so many burdens, and who
are suspicious that we are gradually increasing them.
Therefore they say the Castilians have good words
but few deeds, and those evil. Those who might bet-
ter carry this burden are the Chinese, because of the
great profit and gain that they make and obtain here
in so little time. But I fear also that if they are an-
noyed, they will not come and will abandon the trade,
by which this country lives and increases. I do noth-
ing but put both of these considerations before your
Majesty, so that you may ordain in everything what
is most to your service. May our Lord preserve
your Majesty for many happy years as Christendom
I593-I597] DASMARINaS TO FELIPE II 73
has needy and as we, the vassals and servants of your
Majesty, desire. Manila, June 20, 1593.
[Endorsed: " Filipinas. Copy of a letter writ-
ten by Governor Gomez Perez Dasmarinas."]
MEMORANDUM OF TROOPS REQUIRED
IN THE PHILIPPINES.
The soldiers necessary to guard (he city of Manila,
and the redoubts, galleys, forts of Cagayan and ^ebu,
and presidios erected against the Zambales :
For Cagayan, seventy soldiers are needed for
the defense of the city, and thirty for the
fort and presidio of San Pablo, near
Cagayan, the total amounting to one hun-
dred lOO
For the town of Arevalo, in Otton, one hun-
dred lOO
For Camarines, one hundred . loo
For Ylocos, one hundred .... loo
For Qebu-that is, the city of Santissimo
Nombre de Jhesus - one hundred loo
For the settlement of the provinces of Tuy, re-
cently explored, one hundred loo
For the presidios among the Qambales-
namely, the presidio de San Andres de
Mexico, thirty; the presidio of Tarla,
thirty; the presidio of San Phelippe de
Malabuc, thirty; the presidio of La Playa
Honda, thirty: the total amounting to one
hundred and twenty soldiers 120
For the guard of Mariveles, eight soldiers. 8
I593-I597] TROOPS REQUIRED 75
For the guard and defense of this city of
Manila, we shall need one thousand
men - or, at the very least, six hundred. 600
For the new fort on Point Sanctiago, ten gun-
ners and twenty soldiers • • • 30
For the fort of Nuestra Seilora de Guia, eight
gunners and twenty soldiers 28
For the cavalier of San Gabriel, six soldiers
and one corporal 7
For the fort at the port of Cavite, twenty-four
soldiers 24
For four galle3rs to guard these coasts, to each
one twenty-five soldiers, a total of one
hundred 100
Total, one thousand five hundred and seven-
teen men 1517
With this number this kingdom would have some
assurance of security, both from the natives and from
surrounding peoples. It should be taken for granted
that reinforcements be sent each year to maintain
this number; for, because of the unhealthfulness of
this country, many are constantly dying.
[Endorsed: "Troops necessary in those Philip-
pinas Islands."]
LETTER FROM GOMEZ PEREZ DASMA-
RINAS TO THE KING OF CAMBOJA
Gomez Perez Dasmarinas, knight of the order of
Sa[n]ctiago, governor and captain-general of Luson:
For the king of Castilla, my sovereign, I wish you
health and prosperity. I received the embassy and
letter of the king of Camboja " with great happiness ;
with these, as well as with the elephant and the friend-
ship that you send me, I am greatly pleased - as also
with the inclination that you manifest for the service
and devotion of the king, my sovereign. I shall in-
form the latter of this, and it will be esteemed high-
ly. I have grieved sorely over the wars and hostili-
ties between the kings of Camboja and Sian; for I
would much prefer that perfect harmony, accord,
and peace should reign between two such kings and
neighbors (both of whom are our friends), for with-
out it is neither advantage nor happiness. I would
grant the king of Camboja the aid and reenforcement
^* According to Morga, this king was named Prauncar (Phra
Uncar) Langara; and his ambassador was Diego Belloso (Veloso),
a Portuguese. On returning to Cambodia with this letter to its
king, the envoy found that country conquered by the Siamese. He
was captured by them and carried, with the presents that he bore
from Dasmarinas, to Siam. Later, he aided in the restoration of
the exiled royal family of Cambodia to power; and for these serv-
ices a province was given to him. See Morga's Sucesos ( Hakluyt
Soc trans., London, 1878), pp. 44-52.
I593-I597] LETTER TO KING OF CAMBOJA 77
that he begs against the king of Sian, but that king
would marvel at it. He is also a servant of mine,
and our friend. Therefore I wish to know the cause
and grounds for these animosities, and the justice and
reason on either side, for thus can I come to a just de-
cision. In the meanwhile, since the result of wars
(even when they are victorious ones), is for the most
part ruin, death, destruction, and depopulation of
kingdoms and vassals; and my good will and affec-
tion toward the king of Camboja binds me to desire
to see him freed from these difficulties and this un-
easiness, so that he may live tranquilly, and that we
may have intercourse and friendship, and that com-
merce and harmony may increase among all of us
everywhere, to the common advantage of all - 1 have
tried to provide the easiest and best method. This
is for me to become arbitrator, in order to try to ad-
just these differences. Therefore I have written a
letter and sent an ambassador to the king of Sian,
without informing him that the king of Camboja is
in need of aid and has begged it from me, and I think
that he will accept. If so just a cause should* fail,
then your and my cause is more reasonable and jus-
tifiable, in order to do what you beg of me. In any
event, you can be certain of my being a friend to the
king of Camboja -as your ambassador, who is re-
turning well-treated and happy, will tell you in great-
er detail. Let us consult and discuss over the road
already opened. Those of Camboja will always re-
ceive the same hospitable treatment as in their own
land. I am sending you some emeralds, and a horse,
which is an excellent animal, in token of affection,
besides some hunting dogs, for Belosso told me that
they were much esteemed in Camboja. Because of
78 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
the lack of certain Spanish curiosities, I am not send-
ing such ; but I shall procure them for another time.
If another rose diamond from this country would be
acceptable, I shall be very glad to give it to you. To
fulfil more completely our friendship, I am sending
you the copy of the letter that I wrote to the king of
Sian. May God preserve and prosper you. From
Manila, September 27, in the year 1593 since our
Lord Jesus Christ's birth.
Gomez Perez Dasmarinas
[Endorsed: " 1594. Copy of a letter to the king
of Camboja from Governor Gomez Perez."]
DOCUMENTS OF 1594
List of Philippine villages reduced by the Spaniards.
[1594?]
Letter to king of Canboja. Luis Perez Dasmariilas;
February 8.
Investigation of the hospital. Hernando de los Rios,
and others; February- April.
Report concerning the Filipinas Islands, and other
papers. Francisco de Ortega.
Decree for despatch of missionaries. Felipe II;
April 27.
Reply to the Japanese emperor's letter. L. P. Das-
mariflas, and others ; April 22-28.
Three letters to Felipe II. L. P. Dasmarifias; June
Sources : The royal decree of April 27 is taken from Santa
In&'s Cronica, ii, p. 607; the remaining documents are obtained
from MSS. in the Archivo general de Indias, Sevilla.
Translations : The sixth document is translated by Consuelo
A. Davidson ; the first two letters in the seventh, by Jose M. and
Clara M. Asensio, and Arthur B. Myrick, respectively; all the
remaining matter, by James A. Robertson.
LIST OF PHILIPPINE VILLAGES RE-
DUCED BY THE SPANIARDS
+
List of the villages reduced to the service of his
Majesty, and the names of the chiefs who have made
peace, since Captain Ffernando de Berramontano
went to those provinces as chief and leader of the
troops, at the order of Gomez Perez Dasmarinas, gov-
ernor and captain-general of these Philipinas Islands.
Potol and its allies - chiefs, Atano, Anguilo, and
Ffucao.
Village of Cataguram - chief, Manipas.
Village and river of Tulaque - chief, Apavao.
Village and river of Massi- chief, Seriban.
Village of Gatara - chief, Lipagam.
Valley of Sinabanga - chief, Amangapa.
River of Bangal - chief, mother of Sseriban.
River of Pata - chiefs, Amanbacay and Manipaz.
River of Cabrasinga - chiefs, Lumboy and Ffucman.
River of Maguin - chief, Seriban.
Estuary of Bacto - chief, Sivican.
Bulay ~ chief, Macapito.
Village of Magamon - chiefs, Higoran and Mara-
mossi.
Village of Higuy- chief, Hivigan.
Village of Carlanga - chiefs, Maguigal and Agarrao.
Village of Linga - chief, Palatao.
82 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
Village of Lobo - chief, Dalapiao.
Village of Arangay - chief, Abugam.
Village of Pras ~ chief, Agarrao.
Village of Gumay - chief, Saguin.
Village of Tarugo ~ chief, Valigot
Village of Gadu - chief, Balagua.
Village of Taban - chief, Baloy.
Village of Catabagam - chief, Banagua.
Village of Tapayacan - chief, Vanga.
River and towns of Nabunga, belonging to his Maj-
esty - chief, Tabuga.
Village of Calabatan - chief , Bacu.
Village of Maguin - chief, Baligot.
Village of Malapil - chief, the same.
Village of Tuao - chief, the same.
Village of Canoran - chief, the same.
Village of Agat - chief, Lahizio.
Estuary of Malaguit and village of Sinagan - chief,
Calaz.
Village of Doga - chief, the same.
Village of Cabicumga - chief, the same.
Village of Gabutan - chief, the same.
Village of Taramin - chief, the same.
Village of Lines - chief, the same.
Village of Massi - chief, the above.
Village of Nagugan - chief, the above.
Village of Gumoy - chief, the same.
Village of Talapa - chief , ^iroy Babalino.
Village of Pelitan - chief, Sibay.
Village of Lubutan - chief, Magalate.
Village of Batagua - chief, Ladaran.
Village of Tubigarao and its allies - chief, Lahina-
man Darrey.
Village of Maguila- chief, Batoninam.
I593-I597] VILLAGES REDUCED 83
Village of Calabatan ~ chief, Matalo.
Village of Care - chief, Alu.
Village of Duli - chief, Duli.
Village of Bolo - chiefs, Manoto and Sino.
Village of Masepni - chief, Seriban.
Village of Guinoya - chief, Sinanagua.
Village of Balissi - chief, Matalaguan.
Village of Purrao - chief, Zuaduban.
Village of Bual - chief, Mamagua.
Estuary of Nalaguan - chiefs, Tagabassi, Pasigan
and Sima.
Village of Carrima - chief, Urragam.
Village of Taporagua - chief, Sidagay.
Village of Cacaguayan - chief, Zalope.
Village of Talamas - chief, Marratan.
Village of Alata - chief, Vaguigo.
Village of Tabagan - chief, Basugumi.
Village of Bugarro - chief, Pigol.
Estuary and villages of Dumon.
Durangua.
Tinapanga.
Gabemta.
Balogo - chief , Bengel.
Village of Camalayuga - chief, Litagua.
Village of Daludu - chief, Jseamalaza.
Village of Tocolana - chief, Mandarelac.
Province of Yugan, but lately conquered, with seven
villages.
Villages of La Lamona and Mandaya, seven in all.
The chief river, named Tazo.
Camalayuga, Segovia, Tocolana, Pantao, Cama-
nao, Gotate, Tagay, River of Maguin, Calimotan,
Dumon, Durango, Tinaponga, Gabemta, Bolaryo,
Balobo, Galitan, Dulaga, village of Mapanga, Lo-
84 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [VoLg
con, Mascpin, Estuary of Arolo, Pagaman, Amoran,
Agopan, Estuary of Bacto, Yamaguam, Mangua, Ba-
gan, Goran, Magano, Higuy, Batana, Cacomigan,
Arrimanao, Cataessaman.
Catadar, Estuary of Maguila, Cacomigan, Cabu-
gao, Mapapala, Boboo, Estuary of Bagam, Tubiga-
rao, Abas, Louba, Nota, Botoan, Lulu, Lapugan,
Vical, Estuary of Malagui, Nalaguam, Ungagui,
Carrama, Ymaniz, Quinoyo, Marranate, Batagua,
Boluye, Lulutam, Estuary of Batagua, Amiguibay,
Bugarro, Bonoay, Bugao, Bungal, Alu, Alagua, Bo-
labic, Togotc.
Cugan, Alate, Rogc, Fugao, Inlet of Purrao, Bolo,
Tingar, Pipin, Purrao, Dala, Bicum, Malata, Duyu-
san, Bacuam, Baga, Upland of Lapazada, Nabotas,
River of ^imbuey, Pelitam, Alata, River Atam,
Paguyamapi, Luday, Lama, Babayugom, Malin,
Casiyam, Agutane, Maguilo, Parbuam, Tabussi, Ca-
pay, Minaga, Balaga, Malopi, Matudo, Loquillo,
Beledeca, Cagavian, Bagu, Guto, Labu, Tongolan,
Talogua, Talaona.
Gumitan, Lubutan, Ligon, Baporago, River of
Baporago, Cabalaratan, Gamoy, Abazague, Passa-
coy, Biao, Malay, Bulagua, Plains of Llobo, Madu-
lango, Cari, Duli, Maranon, Tapie, Nabunge, Ban-
gal, Ulagua, Tarugo, Gadu, Ylagua, Pras, Tarro,
Taban, Carlanga, Yagam, Ramoron, Pagamal,
Agunge, River of Llobo, Tabagam, Pipi, Gumabi,
Capayam, River of Palmarez ["palm-groves"],
Malabit, Arangay, Lobor, Valley of Palmarez, Es-
tuary of Gacare, Jataro, Talapo, Talapanze, Man-
dayo.
La Lamona, Potol, Sinabange, Cabunuam, Jaca-
tay, Tocol, Alibumga, Maperi, Manaco, Paracam,
I593-I597] VILLAGES REDUCED 85
DuludUy Ladugo, Minalam, Batal, Batatas, Balissi,
Estuary of Latupe, River of Lulaque, Simayo, Mas-
sin, River Bangal, Bangal, Pata, Cabicumga.
LETTER FROM LUIS PEREZ DASMARI-
NAS TO THE KING OF CANBOJA
To the king of Canboja :
Don Luis Perez Dasmariilas, knight of the order
of Alcantara, governor and captain-general of Lu-
zon, for the king of Castilla, my sovereign, wishes
you health and prosperity.
After the governor, my father, had despatched
Captain Diego Belosso, your ambassador, and had
given him the enclosed letter, God our Lord, in
whose hand and divine providence are life and
death, was pleased to take my father to himself/* I
succeeded him in his duties, and in the good-will and
friendship with which he was ready to aid, in every
way, the desire and service of the king of Canboja.
I shall continue the same in all sincerity, as the bearer
of this will inform you. And as proof of this, in
order that Diego Belosso" may not go unaccom-
panied, I am sending Diego de Villanueva with this
reply. He is an honored nobleman, of excellent
" Regarding Dasmarifias's death, see note 44, vol. viii. He was
succeeded by his son, Luis Perez, the writer ojf this letter ; he acted
as governor until the summer of 1596.
*^ Belloso secured aid from Luis Perez Dasmarinas for the ex-
iled king of Cambodia; but Morga says (p. 46) that this was done
against his advice and that of other leading officers.
I593-I597] LETTER TO KING OF CANBOJA 87
qualities; and he might be of some service and use
to you there in mining matters, for he has much
knowledge thereof, as well as in the working of
metals. You may discuss with him what you wish,
and anything pertaining to the good of your king-
dom. You may credit anything that he may say and
represent in my name. I shall be very glad to es-
tablish intercourse and communication betv^een us;
for the people of Canboja will ever meet, when they
come here, hospitable reception and fatherly love
from me. Truly I wish that I had here some Span-
ish curiosities to send to the king of Canboja, in token
of love and friendship ; but on a second journey, God
pleasing, I shall be better prepared. In the mean-
while I shall inform the said king, my sovereign, of
this new friendship, and of the pathway opened for
trade and communication betv^een us, which is so
useful and agreeable to all, and from which I hope
will result glory for our great God, and many bene-
ficial results. The king, my sovereign, will heartily
commend and favor this, and will rejoice exceed-
ingly that it shall result in every way to your satis-
faction and approval, an object which I shall for-
ward whenever opportunity presents. May our Lord
God preserve and prosper you. Manila, February
8, 1594.
Considering that the king of Canboja wishes to ad-
vance Diego de Belosso, and that he is a deserving
man, I have given special orders that he should go,
as he does, free from restrictions, and with satisfac-
tory equipment.
[Endorsed: " + 1594 +. Copy of the letter to the
king of Canboja from Governor Don Luis Perez."]
INVESTIGATION OF THE HOSPITAL
I, Hernando de los Rios, administrator of the
royal hospital of this city, declare that, because of
the small amount of income and alms received by
the said hospital, the needs of the sick are not pro-
vided for. It is impossible to give them everything
requisite for their health, inasmuch as there are
many sick there, both of the ordinary troops and
the mercenary soldiers, to whom his Majesty gives
medicines, and for whom he supplies a physician,
as he is bound to do. The same provision is made
for the other poor and needy inhabitants and citi-
zens to whom his Majesty is under obligations, as
they are old soldiers and settlers who have served for
many years in this country without any pay. Many
of them fall sick from the great sufferings that they
undergo, because of the unhealthfulness of this
country, both in food and climate, and from other
causes. However, these would be much more nu-
merous, if there were no place in which to succor
their necessities. As is well known, not one of the
sick has (and there is not in this city) any other
place where they can go except to this hospital. It
is well known how much more it costs his Majesty
to transport a man from Nueva Espana than to sus-
tain him after having brought him here; and for the
I593-I597] INVESTIGATION OF HOSPITAL 89
common welfare of this community and its conserva-
tion, it is necessary to have men here. Hence, and
since charity to the sick is so great a service to God
our LfOrd, I beg and entreat your Lordship to be
pleased to assign to the said hospital from the royal
exchequer what is necessary for its efficient adminis-
tration and maintenance, in consideration of the fact
that the income apportioned to it is inadequate, be-
cause of its heavy expenses. If necessary, I am ready
to undergo investigation, and I take oath in due form
that this petition is made with no ill intent, and I beg
justice.
Hernando de los Rios
February 16, 1594: Investigation shall be made
in regard to the contents of this petition. The wit-
nesses whom the administrator of the hospital shall
present in the course of the legal verification which
he has been ordered to make shall be examined in
accordance with the following interrogatory.
1. First: Whether they are acquainted with the
said hospital.
2. Item: Whether they know that there is no
other hospital in these islands and city where the
Spanish, especially the soldiers, can be treated.
3. Item: Whether they know that the majority
of the soldiers serve for pay, and that there are, as a
rule, fifty or sixty sick, or even more.
4. For the fourth question: Let them state
whether they know that, by failing to give them the
necessary attention, his Majesty would be put to
greater expense and cost, and this community would
suffer great harm and loss, because of the death of
many, and because of the much greater expense to
90 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [Vol 9
the king, our sovereign, in transporting one soldier
here than in supporting tv^o.
5. Item : Let them state whether they know that,
because of the small pay and the dearness of food,
and because of their discomfort and their heavy toil
in mounting guard and in sentinel duty, many fall
sick daily and die ; and that for this reason, the said
hospital always contains more sick men than it can
take care of.
6. Item : Let them state whether they know that
many of the old sailors and soldiers, who have served
his Majesty here, are poor and needy; that these
men are useful in this country, because they are, like
the others, ready for whatever occasions arise; that
they have no other place to go to except the said hos-
pital, when they become sick; and that his Majesty
is under obligations to provide them with a hospital,
as he has not rewarded their services.
7. For the seventh question : Whether they know
that the hospital possesses an income of but little
more than one thousand five hundred pesos, and that
the gifts to it are very few.
8. For the eighth question : Whether they know
that the said hospital needs more than six thousand
pesos for its maintenance, since its expenses are high,
and since there is no other food in this country that
can be provided for the sick than fowls, which are
valued at excessive rates - as, for instance, two reals,
or two and one-half or three reals.
9. The ninth : Let them state whether they know
that the said hospital uses many drugs from Castilla
and other regions, which are very dear, because they
are brought from so great a distance as those who
know say.
I593-I597] INVESTIGATION OF HOSPITAL 91
10. For the tenth question: Let them state
whether they know that the said hospital is in great
need of buildings for the service of the poor, and the
accommodation of the others who work in the said
hospital ; since it has but one corridor, where the said
sick are poorly accommodated and crowded; and
that therefore the said hospital needs four more
buildings.
11. For the eleventh question: Let them state
whether they know that, in addition to the things
enumerated above, the said hospital has need of a
very large force of attendants, as brethren and slaves,
and of other services from Indian men and women,
upon whom a great sum of money is necessarily spent,
both in wages and food ; and that they are badly ac-
commodated, because they have no adequate house.
12. For question twelve: Whether they know
that all the aforesaid is public and well known.
Hernando de los Rios
Evidence on the part of the hospital
In the city of Manila, on the fifteenth day of the
month of April, one thousand five hundred and
ninety-four. Colonel Hernando de los Rios, steward
of the Spanish hospital of this city, in answer to the
contents of the petition and interrogatory above set
forth, presented as witness Fray Diego Mufloz, prior
of the convent of Sant Pablo de San Agustin of Ma-
nila, and commissary of the Holy Office. Oath was
taken from him in verbum sacerdotisy and he prom-
ised to tell the truth. Being interrogated in accord-
ance with the inquiry, he deposed as follows:
I. To the first question he answered that he knew
of the royal hospital of this city of Manila from the
92 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [Vol. 9
time of its establishment by Doctor Santiago de Vera.
This was his answer.
Being asked the usual questions prescribed by law,
he said that he was thirty-four years old and compe-
tent to be a witness.
2. To the second question, he answered that he
knew there is no other hospital for treating Spaniards
throughout these islands except that of the said city
of Manila. Therefore Spaniards from all the is-
lands, especially ordinary soldiers and mercenaries,
go there for treatment. This was his answer.
3. To the third question he answered that he
knew the number of patients in the said hospital, as
he had been in it many times. He thought it con-
tained ordinarily fifty or sixty sick soldiers. This was
his answer.
4. To the fourth question he answered that he
knew that by not giving proper attention to the sick,
his Majesty would suffer greater expense and cost in
being compelled to send other men in their place to
this country. This will be a great expense to his
Majesty, because of the high cost of transporting
each of those who go to the said islands ; besides, on
account of the great distance of the country, and the
difference of its climate from that of our Espana,
many men die. This was his answer.
5. To the fifth question he answered that his re-
ply was the same as to the preceding question.
6. To the sixth question he answered that besides
the mercenaries and ordinary soldiers who are
treated in the said royal hospital, many others are
also treated - namely, sailors, and old and poor Span-
ish soldiers, who because they have not the means to
be treated, have recourse to the said hospital. These
I593-I597] INVESTIGATION OF HOSPITAL 93
his Majesty is under obligation to assist, because of
their services. This was his answer.
7. To the seventh question he answered that he
referred to the attestation and certifications given by
the officials of the royal exchequer of these islands,
and that he knew that the income is insufficient for
the heavy expense incurred by the said royal hos-
pital - as this witness and the other superiors of the
religious orders of this city have written to his Maj-
esty, begging him to assist the said royal hospital by
increasing its income, since it is not sufficient. This
was his answer.
8. To the eighth question he answered that his
reply was the same as to the preceding question.
9. In answer to the ninth question he declared
that he believed that, since so many sick persons are
treated in the said hospital, many drugs must neces-
sarily be used which are not products of this country,
and which must be brought from Nueva Espafia and
other regions. This was his answer.
10. In answer to the tenth question he declared
that he knew that the hospital needs more buildings
than it has, for the sick are many and crowded. This
was his answer.
11. In answer to the eleventh question he declared
that he did not know; but that he thought that for so
many people as are there usually, many servants are
necessary. This was his answer.
12. In answer to the twelfth question, he declared,
on his oath, that the aforesaid is the truth and is
public and well known ; and he affixed his signature
to it. Fray Diego MuNoz
Before me :
Martin Sanchez de Leyba, royal notary.
94 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [Vol. 9
[In like manner, depositions were taken from Fray
Alonso Jimenez, provincial of the Order of St. Domi-
nic ; Father Antonio Sedeilo, superior of the Society
of Jesus ; Captain Pedro de Chaves, master-of-camp ;
Diego Velazquez de Mercado, dean of the cathedral
of San Pedro de Manila; and Caspar de Ysla, for-
mer steward of the hospital. Their testimony is much
the same as the one given above, nothing new being
brought out. The document ends as follows:]
In regard to this work I certify, in so far as I may,
as to its necessity and justice, for the welfare and
amendment of all this country and community; and
that it is a work worthy the royal heart of his Maj-
esty, that it needs his royal and generous protection
and favor, and that God our Lord through His
poor, will be greatly served in it.
Luis Perez Dasmarinas
Therefore I affixed my seal in testimony of ac-
curacy.
Caspar de Azebo
[Endorsed: " Inquiry in regard to the great ad-
vantage derived from the royal hospital of Manila,
and in regard to the affirmation that the poor cannot
be supported with its income."]
REPORT CONCERNING THE FILIPINAS
ISLANDS, AND OTHER PAPERS
A REPORT CONCERNING THE FILIPINAS ISLANDS,
WHICH IT IS ADVISABLE TO SETTLE AND
PACIFY; AND OTHER MATTERS
Most potent Sire:
Fray Francisco de Ortega" of the order of St Au-
gustine, visitor-general of the province of the Phiii-
pinas, and prior of the convent of the city of Manila,
with desire and zeal for the service of God our Lord,
and of your Highness, in order to inform you con-
cerning the nature of the Philipinas Islands, which
have rendered obedience to your Highness, and of
what is advisable for their welfare and increase, and
for the relief of your Highnesses royal conscience,
makes the following declaration.
I. That it will be of much import for your High-
ness to order the island of Mindanao, which is four
^* Francisco Ortega (thus Perez; but de Ortega in the MSS.
which we follow) made profession in the Augustinian order, at
Toledo -in 1564, according to Perez, but various allusions in this
document render 1554 ^ more satisfactory date. Two years later
he went to Mexico, and thence (about 1570) to the Philippines.
In 1575, when he was a missionary in Mindoro, he barely escaped
death at the hands of the natives, and was then appointed prior of
the convent of Manila. In 1580 he went to Spain as commissary
for the Philippine province of the order; and ten years afterward
returned to the Philippines with a considerable body of mission-
aries. In 1597 Ortega was transferred to Mexico, where he died
in 1601.
96 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [Vol. 9
hundred leguas in circuit, to be pacified and settled.
It is said that there are many people there who, when
pacified, will need, according to the report made, at
least eighty ministers for the conversion of those
natives. This said island lies to the south. It pro-
duces a great quantity of cinnamon, which, if culti-
vated, will prove a source of great profit to the royal
exchequer of your Highness. This island is quite
near those of Maluco, and the occupation of it will be
very advantageous, because of what is said of the
trade and commerce of the said Malucas Islands, of
which we would thus gain practical knowledge.
2. The island of Leyte lies in the same southern
region. It is sixty leguas in circumference. It is ap-
portioned to eight encomenderos, who have about
five thousand Indians as tributarios. The latter have
up to this day never seen ministers of the gospel, and
they have been paying tribute for over twenty years.
It is advisable, for the relief of the conscience of those
encomenderos and the royal conscience of your High-
ness, that ministers be furnished. For the conversion
of those natives, ten ministers will be needed, count-
ing one minister to each five hundred tributarios.
These latter will amount to ten thousand souls, but
more rather than less, counting the women and
children.
3. The island called Negros, which has been so
called by the Spaniards because in this island there
are more than the usual proportion of a race called
Negrillos; they are not, however, as black as those of
Guinea. They live separate from the natives of the
island, which is something like one hundred leguas in
circumference. Four thousand five hundred Indians
pay tribute in this island, which is allotted to eight
I593-I597] REPORT CONCERNING FILIPINAS 97
encomenderos. These, as well as the encomenderos
of Leyte, above mentioned, have repartimientos of
Indians in other places. For the conversion of these
natives, nine or ten more ministers of the gospel will
be needed. According to the above report, there are
some twenty thousand souls there.
4. The island of Panay has twenty-five thousand
Indians as tributarios, or about one hundred thousand
souls, rather more than less. It is one hundred leguas
in circumference, and has sixteen encomenderos, and
fourteen religious of the order of St. Augustine, in
six monasteries founded there -one on the river of
Panay, which is in the royal crown lands of your
Highness, and the other five monasteries in villages
of the encomenderos. All the other villages of this
island, which is the best in that land, after Luzon,
are without ministers. To comply with the obliga-
tion and relief [of the conscience] of the encomen-
deros, thirty-six ministers are needed, in addition to
the aforesaid; for the island, as I have said, contains
about one hundred thousand people, great and small,
requiring the ministry of instruction.
5. The island of Cubu, which was the first in this
archipelago to render obedience to your Highness,
and where the first settlement of Spaniards was estab-
lished, is one hundred leguas in circumference, or
thereabouts. The number of Indians in the southern
part, is not known with accuracy, because it has not
been visited. Four thousand Indians pay tribute to
eight encomenderos. It has no ministers of the gos-
pel, but there is a monastery of the order of St. Au-
gustine, established in the city of Santisimo Nombre
de Jesus, and they have in charge a village of the
natives near by, with about one thousand two hun-
98 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [Vol 9
dred inhabitants. All the rest are without instruction.
Six ministers, besides the three in the said monastery,
are needed for the conversion of those natives.
6. The island of Bool is twenty-four leguas in cir-
cuit, with one thousand Indian tributarios, or about
four thousand souls. They have never had, nor have
they now, any instruction, and they have paid tribute
for eighteen years. They need two ministers for their
conversion.
7. The island of Cuyo is twelve leguas in circum-
ference. It has one thousand Indians paying tribute,
but, for want of ministers, none of it is christianized ;
for they have never had them and have not now.
They have been paying tribute as long as those of the
island of Bool. Two ministers are needed for the in-
struction of these natives.
8. The island of Mindoro is eighty leguas or so
in circuit, and lies to the south. It is but scantily
populated ; although much of it has not been visited,
in the known parts there are about two thousand In-
dian tributaries. The chief village of this island,
which belongs to your Highness, has one minister.
There is need of six ministers of the gospel, counting
the one priest that it has.
9. And further, the said father Fray Francisco de
Ortega says that, in addition to the islands named
above, are other small islands, whose names follow.
Ybabao is twelve leguas in circuit, has eight hundred
tributaries, and is an encomienda. Samal has three
thousand Indian tributaries, or something above ten
thousand souls, and a circuit of about fifteen leguas.
Capul is ten leguas in circuit, and has three hundred
and fifty tributaries. The island of Maripipe has a
like number, and is fifteen leguas in circumference.
I593-I597] REPORT CONCERNING FILIPINAS 99
Camanguian, ten leguas in circuit, and one hundred
and fifty tributaries; Cubuyan, eighteen leguas in
circuit, and two hundred and fifty tributaries; the
island of Cabras, a like number, and is eight leguas
in circuit. Vanton is about ten leguas in circumfer-
ence, and has about three hundred tributaries. That
of Marinducq is thirty leguas in circuit, and has eight
hundred Indian tributaries; Romblon, eight leguas
in circuit, and one hundred and fifty Indian tribu-
taries ; Tablas, eighteen leguas and two hundred and
fifty tributaries. The island of Ambil is five leguas
in circuit, and has one hundred and fifty Indian tribu-
taries; Buracay, six leguas, and two hundred and
fifty tributaries. That of Helin is about eight leguas
in circuit, and has three hundred Indian tributaries;
Calamianes, sixty leguas in circuit, or thereabout, and
thus far is known to have six hundred tributaries;
Caguayanes, eighteen leguas in circumference, and
about five hundred Indians; Mazbate, twenty-five
leguas and five hundred and fifty tributaries. The
island of Fuegos is nine leguas in circuit, and has two
hundred tributaries; Ymaras, fourteen leguas in cir-
cuit, and three hundred and fifty tributaries.
10. All the above islands, and four other small
ones, each of about eighty or one hundred Indians at
the most, have no ministers of the gospel, nor are
there any Christians in them, although all are appor-
tioned into encomiendas. One encomendero holds
five or six islands as an encomienda; and, because
they are not easily accessible, these natives are almost
without possibility of ever having ministers, or of at-
taining to a knowledge of God our Lord. However,
if they should have ministers, and if these dwelt in
some of the best populated islands, they could visit the
lOO THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [Vol 9
Others, since they are near one another. By this
means, those souls might be helped.
11. The island of Catanduanes, which lies north,
near the island of Lu(on, is about thirty leguas in cir-
cuit, and has four thousand Indian tributarios. It is
apportioned to four encomenderos. Eight ministers
of the gospel are needed for the conversion of those
people, who number about sixteen thousand souls.
12. The island of Luzon, whereon is located the
city of Manila, is the best and most thickly populated,
most abundant in food and richest in gold mines. It
is three hundred leguas in circumference, and is all
apportioned among encomenderos. The villages in
the chief places of the provinces belong to your High-
ness's royal crown. In this and other parts, your
Highness has thirty thousand tributarios or there-
about. Although they all pay tribute in the villages
under charge of encomenderos, many of them have
no instruction ; and they have paid, and there has been
collected from them, tribute for more than sixteen
years. That this may be quite evident to your Maj-
esty, he says that, in the province of Camarines, lo-
cated eighty leguas from the city of Manila in the
said island, in the vicinity of the volcano of Albay,
are four encomenderos, who collect more than three
thousand tributes, and there are no ministers of the
gospeL This means twelve thousand souls to be con-
verted, for not one of them is a Christian, for the rea-
son given above. For their conversion, six ministers
will be necessary.
13. Further in the above province are four other
encomenderos, who collect tribute from the island of
Capul (which lies four leguas away), and from the
bay of Ybalon. They collect almost three thousand
I593-I597] REPORT CONCERNING FILIPINAS lOI
tributes, and they likewise have no minister of the
gospel. There are some two^* thousand souls, and
they will need six ministers for their conversion.
14. In the above province is an islet of about two
or three leguas in circuit. It is apportioned to two
encomenderos, who collect one thousand two hundred
tributes. This means four thousand souls, and will
require. two ministers.
15. Item : In the said province, near the volcano
of Albay, is a village called Yguey, with seven hun-
dred Indian tributarios, and not one a Christian, for
lack of ministers. It belongs to one encomendero.
There are about three thousand souls, more or less,
who need two ministers of the gospel for their con-
version.
16. In the same island of Luzon, toward the
north, in the province of Cagayan, are some allotted
Indians, who, although they pay tribute, are not bap-
tized for lack of ministers. Their encomenderos are
twelve in number, and the Indians in their enco-
miendas, ten thousand four hundred, or more than
forty thousand souls. In proportion to the others,
they will need twenty ministers for their conversion.
17. In the same island of Luzon, in the provinces
of Ylocos and Pangasinan are twelve encomenderos,
with sixteen thousand Indians paying tribute, which
means about seventy thousand souls. Very few of
these, not eight thousand, are baptized. They need
thirty ministers for their conversion and instruction.
18. Besides the above, in the same island, another
thickly-inhabited province in this region, one week's
journey from Manila, was explored two years ago, by
order of Governor Gomez Perez Dasmarinas. Ac-
" In MS. dos (two) ; evidently an error for doce (twelve).
I02 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [Vol 9
cording to the report given to the said Fray Francisco
de Ortega by friars of his order, at least forty minis-
ters are needed there for the welfare, assistance, and
conversion of those natives. Thus, all together, two
hundred ministers of the gospel are necessary for the
administration and conversion of the natives of those
islands - which are under the protection and domin-
ion of your Highness, to whom they have rendered
obedience and whom they recognize as king and
sovereign. This number is in addition to those who
are there now, reckoning among these latter the des-
calced fathers of the order of St. Francis, who sailed
in the fleet now on the way for Nueva Espafta, in or-
der to go to the said islands. And in order that your
Highness may consider as excellently employed all
that you have spent from your royal exchequer in the
furtherance of this apostolic and sovereign work of
conversion, he [Ortega] gives a report as to the mon-
asteries of religious and the ministers of the three
orders there, and the great results produced by the
preaching of the gospel among those natives. This is
to the great merit of your Highness, since they [the
monasteries] have been the chief instrument of the
relief and salvation of the Indians.
19. There is one monastery with four religious of
his order of St. Augustine, in the island of ^ubu.
They have baptized about six thousand, large and
small, of the Indians in their charge there.
20. There is another monastery of the same order
in another small island, called Batayan. It has two
religious, who have baptized three thousand souls.
21. In the island of Panay, the best island after
that of Luzon, are six monasteries of his order. The
island has sixteen ministers, who have baptized more
I593-I597] REPORT CONCERNING FILIPINAS I03
than thirty thousand persons, large and small. Each
day the conversion extends farther and it is through
lack of ministers that more are not baptized.
22. In the island of Luzon, where the city of
Manila is located, in a province called Pampanga, in
a territory of eighteen leguas, are twelve monasteries
of his order. These have twenty-nine religious, all
priests. This district has twenty-three thousand five
hundred tributarios, or ninety thousand souls - more,
rather than less - for they are a people who multiply
rapidly. Of all this number, there are but few un-
baptized.
23. In the same province (I mean island) of Lu-
zon, is another province, called Ylocos, and another,
Pangasinan, where his order of St. Augustine has
eleven monasteries; and another in a Spanish settle-
ment on the Cagayan River, where there are twenty-
eight religious, all priests. In all this territory are
twenty thousand tributarios, or about eighty thousand
souls, of whom fifty-five thousand are baptized, while
the rest are daily becoming converted.
24. In another province, called Bombon, where
there are two large lakes, the shores of which are all
settled, within a territory twenty leguas from the city
of Manila are established eleven monasteries of his
order of St. Augustine. Here there are nineteen
thousand five hundred tributarios, or more than
eighty thousand souls. Of these more than sixty
thousand are baptized, while the rest are regularly
being converted. The said monasteries have twenty-
six religious, all priests.
25. The monasteries belonging to the order of St.
Augustine in those islands in the villages of the In-
dians number forty-three, with one hundred and five
I04 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [Vd.9
ministers, who have in their charge, as reported, two
hundred and eighty-nine thousand souls, of whom
two hundred and forty-four thousand are baptized,
while the remaining forty-five thousand are being
converted daily. In addition there is another monas-
tery in the city of Manila, with twenty-five ministers
- ten of them priests, and the others without sacerdo-
tal orders. This is in addition to novices, of whom
there are usually some in the monastery. The mem-
bers of the convent have in charge certain Indians
near the city along the seacoast. Thus there are forty-
four monasteries with one hundred and thirty minis-
ters.
26. The monasteries of the order of St. Francis in
Indian villages in those islands, number twenty-three.
They have forty-nine ministers in these; and in the
city of Manila they have another monastery of their
order, with fifteen religious - priests and brethren,
laymen and choristers. He [Ortega] does not know
the exact number of Indians in their charge, although
he thinks that they have baptized something like
thirty thousand persons.
There are four monasteries of the order of St.
Dominic in Indian villages, and two in Manila - one
among the Chinese settled there, and the other among
the Spaniards. All six convents have eighteen minis-
ters, and he thinks they have baptized something like
fourteen thousand souls.
Fray Francisco de Ortega presents this report to
your Highness, as one who has an experience of
twenty-four years in those islands, and what remains
from thirty-nine years in Nueva Espafia. He pre-
sents the report with all sincerity, so that your High-
ness may have detailed information, and may deem
I593-I597] REPORT CONCERNING FILIPINAS 105
yourself to be well served by his order. His hope is
that the necessity of ministers - both for preaching to
the natives already converted, and for the conversion
of so vast a multitude of people still to be converted -
being evident, your Highness, with your royal and
usual kindness, may have a great number of ministers
of the gospel sent; since God is sending the remedy
that is drawing this people from their blindness, by
the hands of your Highness, for whom He is keeping
the reward of so noble and sovereign a work as this
of converting a new world to the knowledge of God
our Lord.
[Endorsed: "Fray Francisco de Ortega of the
order of St. Augustine."]
WHAT HE BEGS FOR THE MONASTERIES OF HIS
ORDER
+
Sire:
Fray Francisco de Ortega, visitor-general of his
order of St. Augustine, and prior of the convent of
the city of Manila, in the name of that province, and
by the authority which he has for that purpose,
humbly begs and beseeches the following from your
Majesty.
I. That your Majesty be pleased to bestow, as a
grant and as alms for the building of the monastery
of that city, a fixed sum for a certain period, as you
did in past years for the building of the church of the
said monastery. In that case were assigned for the
period of ten years one thousand ducados annually.
This grant is asked in consideration of the fact that it
has been burned twice, and has been in part rebuilt
from the alms that the religious have acquired with
I06 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [Vd.9
great difficulty. Another ground is the many services
performed by his order in that country for your Maj-
esty from the beginning, when it was settled, with in-
numerable hardships which they endured when en-
gaged in implanting the faith, and in the service and
relief of the royal conscience of your Majesty - there
being then no other ministers there except them
alone, as is quite well and commonly known, and as
will appear by the evidence which he adduces there-
of. Finally, a third ground for the grant is the fact
that the monastery of Manila is very poor, so that it
cannot continue the work undertaken, and therefore
the religious are much inconvenienced by the nar-
rowness of their quarters. This is a house where
great strictness and austerity are observed ; and in the
bestowal upon them of this grant and alms by your
Majesty God our Lord will be served abundantly,
and his [Ortega's] order will receive benefit and
favor thereby. Questions 20 to 24 and the opinion.
[In the margin : " Let the father declare the nature
and extent of the favor which he desires, and let the
decree referred to be brought." "A copy of the de-
cree mentioned is brought."]
2. Item: That in consideration of the fact that
when your Majesty's first governor in those islands,
Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, assigned one hundred
pesos (of eight reals to the peso) and fifty fanegas of
rice annually for the support of each religious, goods
were very cheap, while now they are worth twice as
much, and the religious cannot be supported with
this alms, he begs and beseeches your Majesty to have
the goodness to order that the alms for the food and
clothing of each religious be annually one hundred
pesos de minas, or at least Castilian ducados, and the
I593-I597] REPORT CONCERNING FILIPINAS 107
usual amount of rice. This is a very moderate re-
quest, since the religious possess no income or chap-
laincieSy and it will bring but little additional ex-
pense upon your Majesty's royal exchequer, as the
monasteries sustained by your royal crown are but
few; and if your Majesty gives commands to this ef-
fect, they will be much advantaged and favored,
[/n the margin : " Let the governor give informa-
tion of conditions in this matter, and what he deems
best for the future. Let him make a report of every-
thing in minute detail."]
3. Item\ The said father Fray Francisco dc
Ortega declares that fourteen years ago, when he
came from those islands the first time, your Majesty
at his request and supplication granted favor to that
province, by ordering your royal officials to give
annually, to each religious who was a priest, two
arrobas of wine for the mass, and to each convent of
his order in the province six jars of oil for the lamp
of the most holy sacrament, as was done throughout
Nueva EspaAa. This was not fulfilled, because be-
fore the arrival of the time for the royal officials to
give this alms the said convent of St Augustine was
burned; and among the property and papers de-
stroyed was your Majesty's royal decree, bestowing
the said favor. He begs and entreats your Majesty,
in confirmation of the said favor and alms, to issue
your royal decree, inserting the first decree therein,
so that henceforth the said grant may take effect; and
to direct the officials of the royal treasury in Mexico
to send the things granted in kind to the royal offi-
cials of Manila, so that the latter may give them to
the monasteries of the said order, in pursuance of
and conformity with your Majesty's commands. By
Io8 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [VcLg
SO doing the decree will be fulfilled and the expense
to your Majesty's royal exchequer will also be
diminished. [In the margin: "Have this decree
renewed."]
4. Further, he declares that at the convent of San
Augustin de Manila the novices are taught, and that
the arts and theology have been and will be regularly
studied there. It is a seminary whence they go, and
will continue to go, to other districts to preach to and
convert those natives, and to instruct those already
converted, and to administer the sacraments of our
holy Catholic faith. There they receive and lodge
the religious going to those islands from this king-
dom to engage in the apostolic work of the conver-
sion of those natives. The house is poor, so that with
its present resources it is impossible to support eight
friars, without the alms that your Majesty ordered to
be given for four -there being, as a general rule,
more than twenty religious in the said convent. He
begs and entreats your Majesty, in consideration of
the aforesaid, to order the grant increased to the
number of twelve religious, more or less, as may be
your Majesty's pleasure. They will receive this as
a great help and bounty. [In the margin: "That
which is provided for the second section above."]
5. Item : He begs and entreats your Majesty, in
consideration of the aforesaid and of the fact that the
convent at Manila is an infirmary for all that prov-
ince, where all those engaged in the conversion and
administration of the sacraments in the Indian vil-
lages come for treatment when sick, to grant bounty
and alms to the said convent, by ordering that the
physician and the medical supplies necessary for the
treatment of the said religious be at the cost of your
I593-I597] REPORT CONCERNING FILIPINAS 109
Majesty's royal exchequer, as your Majesty has done
in the kingdom of Peru, [/n the margin : " Let
him be given the decree in accordance with the decla-
ration made."]
6. The said father Fray Francisco de Ortega in-
forms your Majesty that the bishop of those islands,
of his own notion and at his own pleasure, placed
religious of his own order of St. Dominic in a settle-
ment of Sangleys (natives of the kingdom of China)
near the city of Manila, and across a river that flows
through it. From the beginning when that island
was gained and settled, the religious of the order of
St. Augustine have had the said Chinese and natives
in charge, to whose conversion and baptism they have
paid special attention. From the monastery of his
order to the place where the Dominican fathers have
settled the distance is but two shots of an arquebus.
This is in direct opposition to your Majesty's orders
and the commands of your royal decrees - namely,
that wherever the monastery of one order is estab-
lished, no other shall be placed except at the distance
appointed by your Majesty. As most of the Chinese
settled there are idolatrous heathen, it is a great dis-
advantage for them to be mingled with the newly-
converted Christian Indians, the natives of another
race; and from this mingling arise many offenses
against God our Lord. In order to avoid these, it
would be advisable for your Majesty to have those
Chinese removed thence to the place where the rest
of their nation have settled, leaving those natives free.
It would be well also to decree that the Dominican
fathers there shall settle in another place, where there
is greater need for them; and that your Majesty
entrust the execution of all the above to the governor
no THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [Vol 9
of those islands. [In the margin : " Have the gov-
ernor examine and provide for this."]
7. Further, he says that some three years ago
father Fray Mattheo de Mendoza, of his order, im-
plored and entreated your Majesty, in the name of
that province, to be pleased to grant permission for
the founding of a monastery of Recollet friars of his
order, in a hermitage called Nuestra Seftora de Guia,
located in a place about one-quarter of a legua from
the city of Manila. Your Majesty ordered your
royal decree to be issued to the effect that the gov-
ernor and bishop should make investigations as to
whether it would be useful and advantageous to have
the said hermitage granted for the said purpose, and
that they should send their report, together with their
opinion on the matter, to the royal Council of the
Yndias. In fulfilment of this direction, the said
governor has sent the said documents to your Maj-
esty. He [Ortega] entreats you to have it examined
and, in accordance with it, to provide and order what
is deemed of most advantage to the service of God
our Lord, and of your Majesty -considering that, if
the said Recollet religious are established there, from
their good instruction, life, and example great re-
sults will be obtained, both among the natives, and
from the devotion of the Spaniards. [In the margin :
" Let the governor undertake the establishment of
whatever religious of the order of St. Augustine he
thinks advisable."]
[Endorsed: " + Fray Francisco de Ortega, of the
order of St. Augustine."]
I593-I597] REPORT CONCERNING FILIPINAS III
ADVICE ON FOURTEEN POINTS OF GREAT IM-
PORT FOR THE SERVICE OF GOD AND HIS
MAJESTY, AND THE INCREASE OF
HIS ROYAL ESTATE
+
Sire:
Fray Francisco de Ortega, of the order of St. Au-
gustine, visitador-general of his order in the Phili-
pinas Islands, by apostolic authority, and by the
royal authority of your Majesty, and the authority of
his general, declares that he has spent thirty-eight
years in the Yndias - sixteen of them in Nueva Es-
pafia and the rest in the Philipinas Islands - preach-
ing the word of God, and administering the holy
sacraments to Spaniards and Indians. In this period
is reckoned the time spent in voyaging to and fro
between this kingdom and those districts twice (and
with this last time, thrice) to your Majesty as a sup-
pliant, and voyaging twenty-two thousand leguas and
undergoing many dangers and hardships to inform
your Majesty of the condition of those islands, and
of what, in his opinion, by reason of his long expe-
rience in that country, was fitting for the service of
God our Lord, and that of your Majesty. His pur-
pose was that, with your royal clemency and mag-
nanimity and most Christian zeal, you might decree
a reform, and provide what should be most con-
venient for the aforesaid objects - which reform your
Majesty decreed, and it has been placed in execution.
He has conducted the religious whom your Majesty
bade him take for the conversion of those natives -
forty in number, except for those who died on the
voyage; he has founded twelve monasteries beside the
ones already there - in all, forty-three; he has visited
the province and executed your Majesty's commands.
112 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
And now lastly, in the service of God and your Maj-
esty, by the advice and consent of the governor of
those islands, under the persuasion and with the
sanction of the religious of that province, he comes
again the third time, bowed down with years and
labors, and with thought for the future, but disdain-
ing the perils of this long and dangerous voyage, to
inform your Majesty of what is advisable for your
royal service, and for the welfare, increase, and con-
servation of that country. His declaration follows:
1. That it will be very advisable for the service
of God our Lord, the merit of your Majesty, the wel-
fare and relief of the natives of those islands, the es-
tablishment and increase of the country, and the re-
lief of your Majesty's royal conscience, that you have
a large number of religious provided for the conver-
sion of those to be baptized, and the maintenance in
the faith of those already Christians; for, because of
lack of ministers, many fail to receive baptism, and
to acquire a knowledge of God our Lord. Further,
for temporal welfare and increase, they [the reli-
gious] are those who are of most importance; for,
wherever they are, the people are orderly and quiet,
even if not all converted, and there is a constant ten-
dency for wealth to increase. But where there are
none, things tend toward waste and the dissipation
of wealth, which fact ample experience attests in all
parts of the Yndias. It is quite sure and certain that
a hundred ministers of the gospel effect more tem-
poral and spiritual good than a thousand soldiers.
2. That it would be very advantageous for the
service of God our Lord, and that of your Majesty,
and for the welfare and relief of so infinite a num-
ber of people as there are in the great kingdom of
I593-I597] REP(»T CONCERNING FILIPINAS II3
China, that you order the continuation of that which
you ordered twelve years ago, and the execution of
which was begun, although the effect attenntpted was
not followed up nor attained because of the hidden
judgment of God. This was for your Majesty to
write to the king of China, sending him, in token of
affection and friendship, certain articles of the prod-
ucts of this kingdom, which that kingdom does not
have, with a request for him to give audience to the
ministers of God, whom your Majesty should send
him; to give license or permission for ministers of
the gospel to enter his kingdom and preach our holy
faith freely; and to grant that the Spaniards and
Chinese should have trade and commerce, the former
being assigned some maritime port, such as has been
assigned to the Portuguese in Macan. For there is
a long experience from the time when father Fray
Martin de Herrera of his order of St. Augustine
went there, up to the present time, that in no other
way will they admit the ministers of the orders in
those islands, who have gone there to strive for their
relief and salvation; because, beside imprisoning
and ill-treating them, and prohibiting them from re-
siding there, they have sent them back to the city of
Manila. Humanly speaking, there is no other rem-
edy, or no remedy more mild and better suited to
the justification of your Majesty than this. He re-
gards it as beyond question that what previously had
no effect your Majesty will in your most Christian
conscience command to be carried out, since by this
command you run risk of little loss, and there is a
clear possibility of gaining much. [In the margin :
" Have the papers brought that were lately exam-
ined, and what was done in this matter."]
114 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [YcLg
3. The said Fray Francisco de Ortega informs
your Majesty that, within sight of the mainland of
China, is an island called Nao, lying toward the
south, where is grown and where there is a great
quantity of pepper. Its inhabitants have trade and
commerce with the Chinese, and although the island
is not large, it is said to contain fifteen cities, most
of which have from twelve to fourteen thousand citi-
zens. They are a dull-witted race, and are given
over to many kinds of vice and licentiousness. This
is an argument that the entrance to this island will
be easier; and therefore the information is given
that one thousand Spaniards would suffice for its
pacification. If there were a justifiable ground for
seizure, this would be a position of great advantage
for communicating with and entering the great king-
dom of China.
4. Likewise he says that in his opinion it will be
of great importance for your Majesty to write to
Xapon, to the king of Firando, as he declares his
wish to become a Christian and asks for religious of
the order of St. Augustine, as appears by a letter
written by a father of the said order there, Fray
Francisco Manrique by name. This latter says that
the king is very desirous of becoming a vassal of your
Majesty; and, if he does so, it will be very advisable
to have him for a friend, for whatever opportunities
may arise for your Majesty's service.
5. Item : He declares that, in his opinion, it will
be very advantageous to the service of our Lord, and
to that of your Majesty, that an attempt, by order
and command of your Majesty, should be made to
conquer and settle with Spaniards one of the Maluco
Islands, namely the best and chiefest, by name Terre-
I593-I597] REPORT CONCERNING FILIPINAS II5
nate, settled by the natives, and by Moros, Turks,
and Javanese, who have been brought there for its
security and protection - and where the doctrine of
Mahoma holds sway. This would be of very great
advantage to the salvation of those souls, and would
prevent the inhabitants from leaving there to preach
the doctrine of Mahoma in the surrounding islands,
as he is informed they are doing in the island of
Mindanao, which is under your Majesty's dominion
and protection. In addition, your Majesty's royal
exchequer would gain greatly, for your Majesty
would be master of all the cloves that are taken to
Persia, and to many parts of the world, besides those
which come to Espafta by way of Portuguese Yndia.
From there a great quantity of the spices in that is-
land might be exported to Nueva Espafia, and thence
to this kingdom in quicker time and at less cost than
are required by way of Eastern Yndia and Lisboa -
although the trade and commerce by way of Yndia
ought not to cease, as that would not be advantageous
to your Majesty's service.
6. Item: He declares that, in his opinion, it
would be very undesirable for the Japanese tyrant
to put into execution his proposed expedition to Ma-
nila, of which he insolently wrote to your Majesty's
governor in that city; and this matter might be en-
trusted to Governor Gomez Perez Dasmariflas, as he
is a very valorous and resolute soldier. He by his
valor and prudence will succeed in the undertaking;
and had Doctor Santiago de Vera, your Majesty's
governor, sent, years ago, a captain of the energy,
valor, and mettle of the present governor, that island
and those near by would be gained and pacified, to
the great gain of your Majesty's royal exchequer.
Il6 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [YcLg
7. Item : He declares that, in order to effect the
above, it will be very advisable for your Majesty to
order the island of Bindanao conquered and settled.
This island is located about eighty leguas from the
island of Terrenate and irom the others, which are
separated from one another by not more than two
or three leguas; and some are even nearer. Besides
being advisable for the above purpose, the island is
very large, and thickly populated, and contains a
very abundant supply of cinnamon, which, if culti-
vated, will bring great gains to your Majesty's royal
exchequer.
8. Item : He declares that it would be advisable
to reenforce the city of Santisimo Nombre de Jesus,
on the island of Cubu, with more troops, for its se-
curity, as well as that of the other islands near by
and those of Maluco, as it is a way station between
Maluco and Nueva Espafia, and one of the best ports
as yet known in those islands.
9. Item: The said father Fray Francisco de
Ortega, in the name of that city and the island of
Cubu, by virtue of the specific and general authori-
zation given him for that purpose, humbly begs and
entreats your Majesty that its title of city, given it by
the governors who have ruled in that island, be con-
firmed by your Majesty by your royal decree, in
consideration of the fact that it is the first settlement
made in those islands, the place where the natives
began to be converted, and where the inhabitants first
rendered obedience to your Majesty; and by this they
will be advantaged and favored. [In a different
hand: " Let it be given the title of city."]
10. Item : He begs and entreats your Majesty to
be pleased to order that the regidors of that city hold
I593-I597] REPORT CONCERNING FIUPINAS II7
office for life, and not for one year, as now ; and that
their appointment be entrusted to the governor, so
that he may appoint them in your Majesty's name;
for thus the regidors will be the oldest and most de-
serving men, and that community will be governed
better.
11. Item : He begs and entreats your Majesty to
be pleased to give license that the inhabitants of that
city [Santisimo Nombre de Jesus] may build a ves-
sel of about two hundred and fifty toneladas, in
order that the said ship may be sent with the vessels
sailing from Manila to Nueva Espafia, with the wax,
cotton cloth, and the other cloth made from banana
leaves, called medrifiaque - in which products trib-
utes are collected by all those of this island and by
the encomenderos of the island of Panae. The rea-
son for this request is that in taking these things to
Manila there is great risk and danger from the na-
tives, because each Spaniard who goes to Manila is
forced to take forty or fifty Indians, whence it hap-
pens that there are more than four hundred Indians
in Manila for three months of each year and longer,
who are outside their native place. This is to the
great damage and loss of the natives, and if your
Majesty grants this permission, it will be avoided.
[In the margin : " Let this be referred to the gov-
ernor, so that if there is no special disadvantage, and
it does not conflict with his present orders, he may
grant permission for the sailing of this vessel."]
12. In what pertains to the island of Lugon,
where the city of Manila has been founded, and the
other islands of that archipelago, the said Fray Fran-
cisco de Ortega declares that everything is improving
since the arrival of Governor Gomez Perez Das-
Il8 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
mariAas in that country; for he is very vigilant and
painstaking in all matters touching the service of
God our Lord, and of your Majesty. Thus all things
are peaceful and tranquil ; and by his prudence, good
example, and good government, that state and the
spread of the holy gospel are increasing rapidly.
13. Likewise, with zeal for the service of God
and of your Majesty, according to what he saw,
learned, and heard asserted by persons zealous for
the service of your Majesty, he declares that the
galleys that are [at] the Havana '^ are of little use
and advantage, and a great expense to the royal ex-
chequer, because they cost annually forty-two thou-
sand ducados. And since they are there, they have
been of no effect at all -although occasions have
arisen when they might have been useful - because
they were not well equipped, and lacked soldiers.
Therefore it will be advisable either that they be
strengthened and disposed as is necessary for the oc-
casion that may arise, or that such excessive expenses
without any profit accruing from them be avoided.
[In the margin: "Already provided for."]
14. Item: That the port on the point at the en-
trance to Havana [Cavite?] is very important for
the guard and defense of the entrance to the port;
but it must be strengthened with more pieces of ar-
tillery, for it has very few for the defense of the en-
trance by sea and land, if a large force of enemies
should come; and that the fort built on the headland
•® In the original, las galeras que estan la Havana, It must be
remembered that these Ortega papers are in abstract only -ap-
parently summarized for the use of the royal council by some
clerk, who may have been more familiar with affairs in Nueva
Espana than in the Philippines. La Havana is probably his error
or conjecture for a Cavite.
IS93-IS97] REPORT CONCERNING FILIPINAS II9
in front of the point is very good, exceedingly strong,
and very important for its object. Nevertheless, ac-
cording to what he saw, learned, and heard said by
military men, the work must be made smaller, for
it covers a great deal of space ; and, unless it be re-
trenched, a much greater garrison must be supplied,
besides a great deal of artillery for its guard and de-
fense, and for the object for which it was built.
^Endorsed: "+ Father Francisco de Ortega of
the order of St. Augustine."]
DECREE FOR DESPATCH OF
MISSIONARIES
The King : To Gomez Perez Dasmariflas, knight
of the order of Santiago, my governor and captain-
general of the Filipinas Islands. After reading
what you wrote me recently in regard to the need of
those islands for religious to carry out our obliga-
tion to the conversion and instruction of the natives,
I have ordered the needful despatch put thereto, so
that at the present one hundred religious are going
there -to wit, forty Augustinians, twenty-four Do-
minicans, eighteen descalced Franciscans, and eigh-
teen of the Society. Furthermore, additional mission-
aries shall be sent until the need is met. Now be-
cause I have learned that better results will be ob-
tained by assigning each order to a district by itself,
and more emulation will ensue among them without
their embarrassing one another, or their work over-
lapping, as might happen if they were assigned to
districts regardless of order, I command you, to-
gether with the bishop of those islands, to divide the
provinces, for the said instruction and conversion,
among the religious of the orders, in such a manner
that where Augustinians go there shall be no Fran-
ciscans, nor religious of the Society where there are
Dominicans. Thus you will proceed, assigning each
IS93-I597] DESPATCH OF MISSIONARIES 121
order to its province; taking note that the province
allotted to the Society nntust have the sannte nntanner of
instruction as the others ; for this same obligation rests
upon them there as upon the others, and it does not
at all differ from them. Given at Aranjuez, April
27, one thousand five hundred and ninety-four.
I THE King
Countersigned by Don Luis de Salazar and ap-
proved by the Council.
REPLY TO THE JAPANESE EMPEROR'S
LETTER
In the city of Manila, on the twenty-second day of
April, one thousand five hundred and ninety-four,
Don Luis Perez Dasnntariilas, knight of the order of
Alcantara, governor and captain-general of the Phil-
ipinas Islands, ordered a council of war, held in
his presence in the royal houses and attended by
Licentiate Pedro de Rojas, lieutenant-governor; the
Master-of-camp Diego Ronquillo; Captain Gonniez
de Machuca, factor and treasurer; Captain Don
Juan Ronquillo; Captain Pedro de Chaves; Captain
and Sargento-mayor Juan Xuares Gallinato; Cap-
tain Joan de Villcgas; Captain Pedro de Arceo
Cucvasruvias; Captain Jhoan de Laxara; Captain
Francisco de Mercado Andrade; Captain Juan
Esquerra; Captain Christoval de Axqucta; Cap-
tain Hernando Munoz de Poyatos; Captain Pe-
dro Sarmicnto; Captain Diego de Castillo; Captain
Antonio de Canedo; Captain Augustin de Urdiales;
Captain Antonio Rodriguez Chacon; Captain Don
Francisco de Mendoza; and Captain Caspar Perez.
The said governor communicated to them that Gov-
ernor Gomez Perez Dasmarinas, his late father (who
is in heaven), sent to Japon father Fray Pedro Baup-
tista and other Franciscan fathers, together with Pe-
I593-I597] REPLY TO JAPANESE 1 23
dro Gongalez. T^e latter returned from that king-
dom of Xapon a few days ago, and brought for the
said governor a letter from the king, which was
shown to them, and its contents read, after it was
translated into the Spanish language. It was as fol-
lows:
Letter from the Emperor of Xapon
Father Pedro brought me letters from which I
learned the customs of your country, as also from
what Father Pedro told me particularly, and from
what Father Cobo had stated before. When I was
bom, the sun shone on my breast ; and this is a mira-
cle, and portends that I was destined from the begin-
ning to be lord of all between the rising and the set-
ting sun, and that all kingdoms must render me vas-
salage and bow down before my door; and unless
they do it, I will destroy them with war. I have con-
quered all the kingdom of Xapon, and that of Coria,
and many of my commanders have asked my permis-
sion to go and capture Manila. Learning this, Fa-
randa and Funguen told me that ships went there
from here, and came back, and so the people there
appeared not to be enemies, for which reason I did
not send troops. I made war against the Koreans
and conquered as far as Meaco, because they failed
to keep their word. Afterward my soldiers killed
many Chinese and many nobles who came to help
the Koreans. In view of this they humbled them-
selves, and sent an ambassador who asked that we
send some of our people to Coria, and said that the
Chinese desired eternal friendship with the kingdom
of Xapon. I have sent many of our people to Coria
to occupy the fortresses and await the embassy.
124 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [Vol. 9
Should they break their word again, I will go in
person to make war upon them; and after going to
China, Luzon will be within my reach. Let us be
friends forever, and write to that effect to the king
of Castilla. Do not, because he is far away, let him
slight my words. I have never seen those far lands,
but from the accounts given I know what is there.
You were very discreet in coming immediately, and
this pleased me greatly. I received your present. I
will never fail in my friendship. Those who come
from your country may come safely over land and
sea without any wrong being done them, or their
property being stolen. You may believe everything
that the man who came with the father says, because
he has seen my country and the hospitality which I
tendered. Write to the king of Castilla that he is
waiting there. Tell him to send a man of position
so that our friendship may be stronger. The rest I
have entrusted to Funguen.
The above letter being read, the governor told
them that it was true that the king, on the face of
the letter, offered peace and friendship to this coun-
try and ratified what Faranda negotiated with the
governor's father. Yet it was also plain, the gov-
ernor said, from his arrogant words, that the peace
and friendship were to last only for an indefinite
period ; those words did not accord with the author-
ity and good name of our king and the Christian
name and reputation of the Spanish nation, because
of the pride and arrogance with which he referred to
his birth and his personality, saying: " I am a man
destined from the beginning to be lord of all from
the rising to the setting sun, to whom all kingdoms
I593-I597] REPLY TO JAPANESE 125
must render vassalage and bow down before my
door; and, unless they do it, I will destroy them."
Again, as the governor declared, not satisfied with
this, he threatened us with his desire to capture the
land, by saying: " Many of my commanders have
asked my permission to take Manila;" and then by
referring to the manner in which he humbled the
Chinese in the war with Coria, to their sending him
an ambassador, and to his reply that if they broke
their word, he would go in person to China and
would make war against it, in which case Luzon
would be within his reach. From all this it was
difficult to draw any meaning not ominous for us;
and what sounded the worst was when he gave us to
understand, deceiving himself into that belief, that
the embassy and presents taken by father Fray Pedro
Bautista were sent as tokens of obedience -" You
were discreet in coming immediately, and this
pleased me greatly. I received the present which
came as specified in the letter," etc. Then the gov-
ernor said that this friendship would be too dearly
bought, if it cost us one atom of reputation or au-
thority; and seeing that he must not and could not
hide from our sovereign the receipt of the said let-
ter, with which the emperor of Japan was acquainted,
knowing well its contents and purpose, he deemed
it fitting to answer said letter in a manner that would
undeceive him in this important matter ; and for that
purpose he had dictated a reply which he would have
read to them afterward. It begins by giving the
emperor an account of the death of his father and
of other events which he would be bound to leara,
but which might be reported to him in a distorted
form. After this he thanks him for the confirmation
126 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [VcLg
of amity; and then, with sonnte heat and no less truth,
calls his attention to the uncertainty of the prophecy
concerning his rule over the world, enlightening him
by the way as to some matters of our holy faith. In
conclusion, with reference to the acknowledgment
of subjection which he had supposed us to make, the
letter states that our trust was wholly in God and in
our obedience to Him, while our allegiance to our
most Christian king admitted of no other allegiance,
and of no other subjection, dominion, or acknowl-
edgment of vassalage. And finally, in order to ap-
pease him somewhat at the end of the letter, a com-
plete confirmation of peace and amity is offered him ;
and he is told that the king will be notified, and that
in this, and in sending someone hence, and receiving
persons from there, and in other tokens of friendship,
good treatment, and a good understanding, his sub-
jects would find this peace and amity here and on the
part of his Majesty. The answer was immediately
read, and is as follows :
Reply to the letter
The letter addressed by your Grandeur to my
father was received by me as the person left in charge
of the government of this land at his death, which
occurred on the way to Maluco. He was treacher-
ously killed while sleeping one night, without appre-
hension or precaution, as one who did not dream of
having enemies or traitors with him. The traitors
were the Sangleys, whom he took with him to work
his galley. Like the ineffably low, vile, and cow-
ardly people that they are, they killed my father be-
cause he trusted them and set them loose for their
own comfort. The news of this event reached me
I593-IS97] REPLY TO JAPANESE 127
far from the place of its occurrence, while I was
awaiting hinni with the fleet and troops, that we nntight
depart. Although after his death I endeavored to
continue nniy journey, I was prevented because of sev-
eral events and considerations. I came back here de-
sirous of hearing news from your Grandeur, and of
seeing your letter replying to those sent by my father
through Father Fray Pedro. Although two ves-
sels arrived here from Xapon, they could not give me
the desired news. The arrival of Pedro Gonzalez
has pleased me greatly, especially in view of the fact
that I was unable to understand his delay, and of the
rumor here that your Grandeur was going to send
your armies, a report very different from the agree-
ment made in your name with my father by your am-
bassador and servant Faranda, which was for firm
peace and full amity. Through the letter brought
by Pedro Gonzalez, I have learned that it is your
royal desire that such relations be continued ; and this
has greatly pleased me, for it is to be hoped that as
the kings are great, great will be the friendship, and
greater still the fruits of it. Equally great is my de-
sire that hereafter we treat each other in every way
like friends, with less formality and more frankness
than in your royal letters hitherto received; because
to say that] the sun at your royal birth promised you
the whole world and its sovereignty, I believe can
only be the saying of someone who wishes to please
and flatter you with such a prophecy - which is in no
wise possible or practicable, for many reasons. The
first is that the very power which according to your
Grandeur's statement is to give you that dominion
is unable to do it, since the sun is, just like the sky, the
earth and everything else created, the work of our
128 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [Vd.9
true God and therefore it can neither promise nor
fulfil such a promise. The sun has no more life or
power than what God gave it, and this does not go
to the extent of taking or giving away kingdoms,
which can only be done by God himself. It is to
this great God and Lord that thanks are due for all
our life and power; and it is He who has such power,
and not the sun or anything else which, as already
stated, is an object created by Him. From the above-
stated truth it must be inferred that it was flattery
and nothing practicable that those learned men said.
In this prophecy they have shown themselves to be
in the wrong; because, even if no other obstacles were
to be encountered, it would be impossible to fulfil
the prophecy when it is considered what a long time
it would require to do so, and how short our life is,
especially so when the greater part of it is past. After
this obstacle a greater one arises, and that is that, even
if so many and powerful kings as the world holds
were to be subjugated, my king would suffice to
overthrow all these prophecies. And because it is
right that I do so, and in order that your Grandeur
be not deceived by what is nothing else than the false
flattery of ignorant people, I acquaint you with the
fact that my king's power is such, and the kingdoms
and countries under his royal and Christian rule are
so many, that his power and greatness is beyond com-
pare with that of many kings and lords, though they
be most powerful, each by himself. His dominions
here are but a corner, and my king's possessions can-
not be judged by his dominion here. Now, return-
ing to what I was saying, since our lord and king is
so powerful as he is, and only one of the many kings
of this world, it can be easily imagined that all the
I593-I597] REPLY TO JAPANESE 129
rest of them will not obey one man alone, and that
no human power could control so much. Even were
every one of them to render you obedience, it is not
to be thought that either our king or his subjects
would do it; but on the contrary, were it not that our
divine and Christian laws prevent us from taking un-
justly from any one that which does not belong to us,
and if affairs were in accordance with power and
strength, my king only would be the one obeyed and
acknowledged as such ruler. In all other matters we
put our trust not in human power, which does not and
cannot extend beyond God's divine wishes, but in
Him whom we acknowledge as our true Lord and
God, as well as the God of everything created. Under
{lis omnipotent care we feel safe; and this feeling
of safety and trust is not imagined, but real and
proved by wonderful and miraculous deeds and
events. Having such men near you as father Fray
Pedro and others, your Grandeur could gain infor-
mation - if for no other reason, merely for curiosity,
since your Grandeur is so desirous of learning about
greatness ; and once having learned the greatness of
our omnipotent Lord, you will see how wise we are
in putting our trust and confidence in Him, who is
almighty. I have said all this not to displease your
Grandeur, but in order that you may realize why we
do not render obedience to other dominion, other
power or other lord, than Jesus Christ, almighty and
true God and Lord, and our most Christian king
Don Phelipe. As regards the friendship that your
Grandeur says we ought to maintain forever, we, on
our side, will observe it; and I feel certain that your
Grandeur will keep it on your part, since it is so de-
clared in your royal letters. I will advise my king
I30 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
and lord at the earliest opportunity of the peace and
friendship established, so that he may ratify it from
there ; and I trust in the Lord that everything will be
done as desired by your Grandeur, whom I wish to
serve and please as the friend of my king and our
own. In order to do so, I should have been glad if
I had some curious things from Castilla, to send as
presents to your Grandeur; but I cannot do it now,
and will send them later, when they come. Should
your Grandeur wish that as friends we send each
other men of rank and station so that our intercourse
might be more friendly and informal - not that the
religious who have gone are not among us here re-
spected and highly esteemed as servants of God, and
are not sufficiently high in station -but from now
on a layman could be sent of higher rank than that of
those who have gone heretofore. Should your Gran-
deur desire to send someone to visit the court of my
king and see its splendor and the power and dominion
of his Majesty, he will be sent on from here, and will
be well received and highly favored by my king,
because he is very fond of receiving and entertaining
foreigners, and especially such as might come from
your Grandeur, who would receive especial favor.
Your Grandeur can advise me of your decision in
regard to this as well as the other matters; and may
the Lord keep you and enlighten you with His divine
light.
Then the governor said that because of the duty
which, as a Christian, he owed to the Lord, and be-
cause of his duty to the king as his servant and sub-
ject, and because of the strict account which he must
render sooner or later, he thought this a very serious
I593-I597] REPLY TO JAPANESE 13I
case which could not be ignored or passed by. He
said that it required just such an answer as the one
he had decided to send ; and that he would have an-
swered the emperor with more decision and heat,
were it not for the danger incurred by the fathers
and the Christians residing in that kingdom, and the
danger to these islands, if the emperor were to be
openly provoked and displeased to the extent of de-
claring war. Because of the above-mentioned rea-
sons, and taking into consideration the service of
the Lord, and the welfare of those people, and the
growth of the new gospel so pleasing to the Lord and
so earnestly desired by his Majesty, and notwithstand-
ing his judgment and belief that th^ said answer
should be sent just as read here, he desired to call to-
gether these grave and important persons and inform
them of this affair, so that, having examined the
said letter, they could give their opinion. If they
approved of it, it would be sent ; but should they, for
any reasons or considerations, desire it to be other-
wise, they should give signed statements of their
opinions, with the reasons therefor, and this opinion,
together with his letter, and a copy of the letters
from Japon and the reply which they think suit-
able, will be sent to his Majesty for the protection of
the governor in the future, as in this matter he would
not do anything but what might be resolved upon,
and decided to be most beneficial to the service of
God and of the king our lord, and to the good name
of the Spanish nation.
Then the licentiate Pedro de Rojas, lieutenant-
governor, said that the substance of the reply to the
king of Xapon's letter, as read, was very prudent and
discreet, and that its warmth and spirit were proper
132 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [Vd.9
in view of the arrogant words written by the emperor
in his letter; but that, in his opinion, it would be well
to follow the reserved and dignified style generally
used among such personages, and to leave out some
words, especially in that part referring to the falsity
of the prophecies, where other arguments could be
advanced. The master-of-camp and other captains
present were of the same opinion. The decision of
the question was, therefore, postponed until the next
day, when an amended reply would be presented.
This resolution was signed by the licentiate Pedro
de Rojas, Diego Ronquillo, Juan Xuarez Gallinato,
Gomez de Machuca, Pedro de Chaves, Don Juan
Ronquillo, Diego de Castillo, Pedro de Arceo Cue-
vasruvias, Juan Esquerra, Hernando Muftoz de Po-
yatos, Don Francisco de Po^a, Francisco de Mercado
Andrade, Christoval de Azqueta, Juan de Alcega,
Don Diego Jordano, Antonio Decanedo, Caspar
Perez.
Before me :
Juan de Cuellar
In the city of Manila, on the twenty-eighth day
of April, one thousand five hundred and ninety-four,
the master-of-camp and captains who attended the
preceding council of war met a second time at the
royal house by order of and in the presence of Don
Luis Perez Dasmarifias, governor and captain-gen-
eral, to decide concerning the reply to be sent to the
letter of Cuambaco, the emperor of Xapon, as had
been agreed upon the day before. It had then been
decided to omit from the said reply some of the ar-
guments, and to substitute others, briefer and less
likely to provoke or annoy him, leaving in it only
I593-I597] REPLY TO JAPANESE 133
such things as are required for the fulfilment of our
duties as Christians, and as subjects of our king, and
for the sake of our good name. In conformity with
this decision, the letter having been so amended, the
governor ordered it to be read aloud, so that the said
master-of-camp and captains could give their opinion
as to whether it was proper and desirable to send it;
and it was read as follows :
The Letter
The letter addressed by your Grandeur to my
father was received by me as the person left in charge
of the government of this land at his death, which oc-
curred on the way to Maluco. He was treacherously
killed while sleeping one night, without apprehen-
sion or precaution, as one who did not dream of hav-
ing enemies or traitors with him. The traitors were
the Sangleys, whom he took with him to work his
galley. Like the ineffably low, vile, and cowardly
people that they are, they killed my father because
he trusted them, and set them loose for their own
comfort. The news of this event reached me far
from the place of its occurrence, while I was await-
ing him with the fleet and troops, that we might de-
part. Although after his death I endeavored to con-
tinue my journey, I was prevented because of several
events and considerations. I came back here, desirous
of hearing news from your Grandeur and of seeing
your letter replying to those sent by my father
through father Fray Pedro. Although two vessels
arrived here from Xapon, they could not give me
the desired news. The arrival of Pedro Goncalez
has given me great pleasure, especially in view of
the fact that I was unable to understand his delay,
134 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [Vd.9
and of the rumor here that your Grandeur was going
to send your armies, a report very different from the
agreement made in your name with my father by
your ambassador and servant Faranda, which was
for firm peace and full amity. Through the letter
brought by Pedro Gonzalez, I have learned that it
is your royal desire that such relations be continued,
and this has greatly pleased me ; for it is to be hoped
that as the kings are great, great will be the friend-
ship, and greater still the fruits of it. Equally great
is my desire that hereafter we treat each other in
every way as friends, with less formality and more
frankness than in your royal letters hitherto received,
^ince your Grandeur speaks of vassalage, I wish your
Grandeur to understand that my king's power is so
great and so extensive^ and the kingdoms and (states
ruled by his Christian hand) are so many, that they
are beyond compare with the greatness of many
kings, though these be most powerful each by him-
self. His dominions here are nothing but a corner,
and my king's possessions are not to be judged by his
dominions here. The reason that they are so small
is, that our Christian and divine laws do not permit
us to do injury or damage to anyone by taking away
that which belongs to him. I say this to your Gran-
deur that you may know that, although we are in
a confined and narrow region, we do not recognize
other ruler, other power, other dominion, or other
lord, than Jesus Christ, the almighty and true God
and Lord, and our most Christian king Don Phelipe.
Concerning the friendship that your Grandeur sug-
gests we ought to maintain forever, it will be kept by
us; and I feel assured that your Grandeur will keep it
on your part, since it is so declared in your royal let-
I593-I597] REPLY TO JAPANESE 135
ters. I will advise my lord and king at the earliest
opportunity of the peace and friendship established,
so that he may ratify it from there; and I trust in the
Lord that everything will be done as desired by your
Grandeur, whom I wish to serve and please as the
friend of my king and our own. For such purpose
I should have been glad if I had some curious things
from Castilla to send as presents to your Grandeur;
but I cannot do it now, and will send them later
when they come. Should your Grandeur wish that
as friends we send each other men of rank and of a
high station, so that our intercourse might be more
friendly and informal -not that the religious who
have gone are not among us respected and highly
esteemed as ministers of God, or are not sufficiently
high in station - but from now on a layman could be
sent of higher rank than that of those who have gone
heretofore. Should your Grandeur desire to send
someone to visit the court of my king and see its
splendor, and the power and dominion of his Maj-
esty, he will be sent on from here, and will be well
received and highly favored by my king, because he
is very fond of receiving and entertaining foreign-
ers - especially such as might come from your Gran-
deur, who would receive especial favor. Your Gran-
deur can advise me of your decision in regard to this
as well as the other matters; and may our Lord keep
and enlighten you with His divine light.
After the letter thus amended was read, the above-
mentioned persons unanimously and of one accord
stated that it was a good and proper reply to the letter
of the king of Xapon, and that the said reply com-
plied with what was required by the good service
136 THE PHIUPPINE ISLANDS [Vd.9
of the Lord and of his Majesty, and with the good
name and repute of the Spanish nation ; and it was,
accordingly, signed by Licentiate Pedro de Rojas,
Diego RonquiiiOy Gomez de Machuca, Juan Xuarez
Gallinato, Pedro de Chaves, Don Juan Ronquilio,
Pedro de Arceo Cuevasrubias, Diego de Castillo,
Hernando Mufioz de Poyatos, Francisco de Merca-
do Andrade, Don Francisco de Po9a, Juan Ezguerra,
Christoval de Axqueta, Jhoan de Alcega, Antonio
de Caftedo, Don Diego Jordano, Caspar Perez,
Agustin de Urdiales.
Before me :
Juan de Cuellar
LETTERS FROM LUIS PEREZ DASMARI-
NAS TO FELIPE II
Sire:
The seminary for girls of Sancta Potenciana which
was commenced by my father in pursuance of your
Majesty's orders is now finished, thanks be to God.
It is one of the most splendid buildings of this city,
and for some days the cloister has been occupied by
the mother superior and by some good women of this
town, who with holy zeal and in the desire of serving
God in retreat and solitude, have entered there.
Their sincerity and integrity of life was proved be-
fore their entering the convent, which is thereby
greatly benefited. By the good example of these
women, and the influence of their virtue, retirement,
and modesty, I have no doubt that the girls who are
now there, and those who shall enter hereafter, will
be greatly benefited and improved in the service of
God. The advantage of such good surroundings
must aid in their improvement and help them in
marriage, thus accomplishing the end for which the
holy zeal of your Majesty was striving in founding
this work so pleasing to God. In this connection it
should be said, that since this establishment is so
meritorious and necessary in this commonwealth,
which is young and poor, and greatly in need of a
138 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [VqLq
general fund for the public honor and welfare, its
maintenance and perpetuity should be assured. The
establishment entails little expense, and the work has
been carried on according to your Majesty's orders,
without burdening the royal exchequer; and hence
the gain has been great. The opportunity is no less
favorable which is now offered your Majesty to em-
ploy your liberal and royal hand in favoring and aid-
ing this seminary with an income. Thus by its in-
crease will God our Lord, be glorified, by the ex-
ercise of charity. Daily prayers are held there for
your Majesty, that God may grant you many happy
years of this life, and life everlasting. There are
now about thirty persons in the seminary, and others
are entering every day.
Another holy work has, by the favor of the Lord,
been established in this town in these days; and I
hope that His Divine Majesty is no less pleased by it,
than by that which I have just described. It is very
similar to that and is a confraternity of mercy in
which there have entered as brethren the most illus-
trious and prominent persons of this city. The object
thereof, in conformity with its appellation of mercy,
is to exercise the latter in all the works and occasions
which may arise, of which there is no lack, as this
land of yours is so poor. As I say, this confraternity
is occupied in feeding all the worthy poor, of whom
there are many; and in arranging marriages for or-
phan girls, the daughters of the conquistadors and
of persons who have served your Majesty and died in
the royal service, leaving their children without in-
heritance, in poverty and bereavement. These are per-
sons to whom your Majesty owes a recompense; and
any favor to this confraternity is granted to them
I593-I597] DASMARIRAS TO FELIPE II 139
and to all this community. It also persuades people
to come willingly to settle here from other parts, as
they see that they may find here a refuge and relief
for their needs. The land has hitherto been dis-
credited for the little comfort which poor men, both
married and single, find here in a country new, un-
known, and of scanty resources. Even these resources
are under obligation to be given to others who have
settled the place and served your Majesty; and for
them alone there is not enough, much less for those
newly arrived. For their relief there should be a
lodging-house, so that poor married men may be shel-
tered there and given what is necessary, until they
find it convenient to go out and support themselves.
In addition to all the aforesaid institutions, another
no less important one must be mentioned. A hospital
should be established for the treatment of all the serv-
ants and slaves of the Spaniards. This is a very neces-
sary undertaking and a work of exceeding charity;
for there are many of these servants who die, as they
have nowhere to go for treatment. Even their souls
suffer, as there is some neglect in administering the
sacrament to them. Although there are two hospitals -
the royal, and that for the natives - the servants are
received in neither, on account of the poverty of the
hospitals, and the many sick who are usually there,
and the lack of conveniences for so many. As I have
written in a former letter, your Majesty should also
favor these hospitals, and in particular this holy con-
fraternity of mercy. Thus I beg your Majesty to do
so, in the name of our good God and Lord. His
Divine Majesty will reward, as is His wont, all that
is done for His love and service. In the name of this
state, and the poor, and for my own sake, I humbly
I40 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [Vd.9
beg this of your Majesty; and if there be anything
of sufficient worth in me to be presented before the
royal presence of your Majesty as deserving reward
and recompense, I should but ask for favor for these
two hospitals, which are so needy, and particularly for
this holy confraternity of mercy. There should also
be provided means according to the income, to pro-
vide dowries for a certain number of the girls who
are sheltered every year in the Seminary of Sancta
Potenciana. Thus it is evident that the state will be
totally healed of its evils ; and these works of charity
will, I believe, be glorious in the eyes of God, espe-
cially if your Majesty will look upon them with your
royal and compassionate eyes, and encourage them
with your royal aid. May our Lord preserve your
Majesty for many long years, as Christendom has
need. At Manila, June 15, 1594.
Luis Perez DasmariI^as
Sire:
In the papers I send your Majesty by these vessels,
I give an account of Japanese affairs and suspicions.
In this letter I shall content myself with saying that
when my father made answer to the second Japanese
embassy, he sent with father Fray Pedro Baptista, to
accompany and take care of the fathers, and with
further orders to treat with that king, one Pedro Gon-
zalez, a man who, by trade and commerce, had ac-
quired some knowledge of that land, and acquaint-
ance with some of its inhabitants. He went and
performed his mission well. The Japanese king,
either because he is a man of unusual good-will, or
because he harbors designs, tells me in his original
letter that he wishes to have your Majesty see it, and
I593-I597] DASMARIRAS TO FELIPE II 14I
to have the same Pedro Gonzalez, who brought it,
take it with him to Espafla, together with an account
of what he saw in that kingdom. He indicates with
some insistence that he wishes this, and I am advised
by letters from there that, if it be not sent, as he knows
everything that is done here, he will be vexed and
take it as a pretext for making an earlier declaration
of war. Therefore in my opinion his wishes ought to
be observed since no harm will be done. Pedro Gon-
9alez carries the original letter and its translation, to-
gether with the reply which was sent from here. Al-
though, as I say, the bearer goes ostensibly only to
comply with the wishes of the king of Japon (for I
have already written to your Majesty respecting this
matter) , yet yourMajesty may, if such be his pleasure,
hear from Pedro Gonzalez certain peculiarities of
that kingdom which he has observed. So, because he
is an honorable man, prudent, straightforward, of
good reputation and abilities, and because he labored
and incurred heavy expenses on these voyages, kindly
grant him some favor ; for he has deserved it, on ac-
count of the affection, good-will, and care that he has
displayed in everything which he has been ordered to
do in your Majesty's service. May our Lord preserve
your Majesty for many prosperous years. Manila,
June 22, 1594.
Luis Perez DasmariI^as
Sire:
After despatching a letter to your Majesty in the
vessel " Sant Phelippe," which it was thought best to
send first, as it was in ^ibu, I had other letters from
Japon from father Fray Pedro Baptista, the originals
of which I send herewith. From these letters, and
142 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
from one from the emperor of Japon, a copy of which
is enclosed, we can easily infer how little security is
assured us by his friendship and promises, and be
sure that any slight occasion would induce him to
break them. But I am continuing to treat with him,
in order to gain time to complete the fortifications of
this city. I am showing kindness to the Japanese
ships that put in here. And, although I am sending
the emperor, as answer to his letter, the one which I
transmitted to your Majesty in the vessel " Sant Phe-
lippe " (a duplicate of which I enclose herewith), I
am thinking of sending him a present because of the
treaty of amity he has made with us. In this way, as
I say, I shall dissimulate and keep him in good
humor. For this purpose I am striving to spread the
rumor here that the peace is firm; but I am not
slackening work on the fortifications. On the con-
trary, I am speeding them forward with added
watchfulness. God be praised, the wall is now com-
pleted, and the forts are in fair condition for defense.
I hope, God willing, that the enemy will find this
quite different from what they must be congratu-
lating themselves that they will find. It is decidedly
important to have a large contingent of troops sent
from Mexico. This is the most pressing need, and
the viceroy of Nueva Espana should be urgently
ordered to attend to it. For if the Japanese come,
they may be able, in case help does not arrive, to gain
the land after a long siege and with a large force, and
thus put us to great straits. But to whatever extremi-
ties we come, we here will not, at least, be found to
lack the necessary energy and determination, and we
will give your Majesty a good account of your land
and our obligations. We trust matters to the omnipo-
I593-I597] DASMARISAS TO FELIPE II 143
tent hand of our God and Lord. May He ordain
what is most befitting His service and the glory of
His sacred name. May He preserve your Majesty
for many long years, as Christendom has need. Ma-
nila, June 23, 1594.
Luis Perez Dasmarinas
[Addressed: "To the king, our sovereign. In
his royal Council of the Yndias."]
[Endorsed: " Philippinas. To his Majesty. Luis
Perez Dasmariflas, 1594, June 23."]
DOCUMENTS OF 1595
Letter to Felipe II. Pedro Gonzalez de Carbajal;
[1595?]
Formation of new dioceses. Felipe II; June 17.
Letter to Felipe II. Antonio de Morga; June 25.
Expedition to Camboja. Gregorio da Cruz, and
others; August 1-3.
Instructions to Figueroa. L. P. Dasmariflas; No-
vember 13-16.
The Audiencia of Manila reestablished. Felipe II;
November 26.
Letter to Felipe II. L. P. Dasmariflas; December 6.
Sources: The second document is taken from Doc. inid.
Amir, y Oceania^ xxxiv, pp. 86-94; all the others are obtained
from MSS. in the Archivo general de Indias, Sevilla.
Translations: The first document is translated by Arthur
B. Myrick, of Harvard University; the second, by Frederic W.
Morrison, of Harvard University; the third and part of the
seventh, by Jose M. and Clara H. Asensio; the fourth and fifth,
by Robert W. Haight; the sixth and part of the seventh, by James
A. Robertson.
LETTER FROM PEDRO DE CARBAJAL TO
FELIPE II
Sire:
It is well known that the emperor of Japon is pow-
erful in men and arms, and that his people are of
great courage. He was making ready two hundred
ships, and casting quantities of artillery. Japon is
distant from the realm of the Philipinas four hun-
dred leagues, which is a voyage of fifteen or twenty
days by sea. On his friendship depends the preserva-
tion of the Philipinas, and of two hundred thousand
Christians in that same kingdom of Japon, as well as
of the rest of its people, who are being christianized
from day to day. We have great hopes that all of
them will become Christians, because it is known
surely that many of the principal people of Japon
would become Christians, if they were not hindered
by their fear of the said emperor's indignation. He
ordered me ** to say to your Majesty, on his part, that,
if your Majesty would make friends with him, he
would always provide the governor of the Philipinas
with what assistance was necessary, even to ten thou-
sand men. When the governor of Meaco (who is the
'^ Carbajal was the captain in whose ship sailed Pedro Bautista,
envoy of Dasmariiias to Japan (vol. vm, note 33). A full ac-
count of this embassy is given by La Concepci6n in Hist, de Pkili'
pinas, ii, pp. 341-376-
148 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [VaLg
person who governs all that kingdom) delivered
me the letter which he brought for your Majesty, he
told me to tell your Majesty that the emperor was
your friend, and that on his part the friendship would
not fail; and that your Majesty should not, because
he was so far away, consider it as of little account
Gomez Perez de Las Marinas, governor of the Phil-
ipinas, sent me with father Fray Pedro Baptista and
three other fathers of St. Francis, to take a letter to
that emperor in response to the one which he had
written. We went with this arrangement, that the
fathers would remain in Japon (as they did) and
that I should return with the answer that the gov-
ernor desired. Having delivered the letter to the em-
peror, when he learned from the letter that the gov-
ernor of the Philipinas wished to notify your Majesty
of this emperor's intentions, he said, without giving
me an answer, that since the governor wished to ad-
vise you, he could not do it better than through me.
That I might be the better able to do so, he ordered
that I should examine his fortresses, cities, and rich
palaces, and the indications of his great power, so
that I could give your Majesty a good account of it
all, as well as of the kind treatment that was always
given to me, and to the Franciscan fathers who re-
mained there. These fathers asking him for a small
piece of ground on which to build a house and
church, he told them that he would give them a large
piece in the place where they were, and also furnish
them food. Then he ordered that the site and house
that they might select should be given to them. And
because the land was so cold, he ordered the fathers
(who are barefooted) to be shod and clothed; and
said that he would give them these things and would
I593-I597] CARBAJAL TO FELIPE II I49
treat them as his children if they would obey him
as their father. He sent me word to say that he would
await your Majesty's answer. While we were in
Japon at that time, the fathers and myself knew for
certain that some of the Japanese chiefs asked the
emperor's permission to go to subjugate the Phili-
pmas, and make him lord of them, without any cost
to him. The latter replied that he would have noth-
ing to do with it, until he saw your Majesty's re-
sponse. It is quite necessary that your Majesty
should send an order to the bishop of Great China
at Macan, and the fathers of the Society of Jesus, to
the effect that all the ships should leave there and
go to Japon. These should investigate, and look to
it that they carry no people who have not a good
understanding of Christianity and fidelity; because
that emperor is desirous of meeting people who will
teach him to construct ships and artillery in our man-
ner. All this will be of considerable harm and in-
convenience; for, although he has artillery and ships,
they are less effective than ours.
They tell me that on this coast is father Fray Mi-
guel de Venavides," of the order of St. Dominic, by
whom your Majesty can be very well informed of
all these matters, because he has dealt with some
Japanese, and has gone through Great China.
Pedro Gonzalez de Carbajal
"Miguel de Benavides (bom about 1550) came to the Phflip-
pines as a member of the first Dominican mission band (1587).
Three years later he went to China as a missionary ; returning to
Manila, he accompanied Salazar to Spain (1592). He was cre^
ated the first bishop of the new diocese of Nueva Segovia, and
afterward archbishop of Manila; he died in that city on July 26,
1605. To him was due the foundation of the college of Santo
Tonis.
FORMATION OF NEW DIOCESES
The King: To my cousin, the Duke. My zeal
and desire have always been, and are, to procure and
provide diroughout all die provinces, divisions, and
localities of die Western Indias, whether already dis-
covered or to be discovered hereafter, die propaga-
tion and extension of our holy Catholic faith and
Christian religion; and for that purpose I endeavor
to provide die necessary prelates and ministers,
through whose agency die natives of diose parts,
blinded by their hideous idolatry, may come into
knowledge of die true faith; and, together with those
already converted, may be enlightened and instructed
so that they may enjoy salvation, partaking of the
copious fruit of our redemption. Hence at my sup-
plication, archbishoprics have been established in
those districts and places where it seemed necessary.
For, in spite of the fact that a bishopric was founded
in the city of Manila in the island of Luzon in the
Philipinas, situated in the great archipelago of
China, very near the mainland of that country -yet,
inasmuch as that district is very large, and contains
numerous islands with a large native population - a
single prelate cannot easily and under ordinary cir-
cumstances visit his diocese as he should, fulfil the
pontifical decrees, and provide for spiritual affairs
I593-I597] FORMATION OF NEW DIOCESES 151
with the necessary despatch. It has been shown by
those who have had experience Aat many incon-
veniences result; and after this was investigated by
the members of my royal Council of the Indias, and
counsel taken upon it, with the object of correcting
these evils, it has seemed to me both fitting and neces-
sary for the fulfilment of the obligation that I am
under of procuring the salvation of the souls of those
my subjects ~ according as I am enjoined by the holy
apostolic see and bidden by my conscience ~ that the
cathedral church of the said city of Manila be ele-
vated into a metropolitan see and its territory into an
archbishopric ; and that three new bishoprics be cre-
ated and established suffragan to it, so that they may
hold their synods according to the orders of the holy
Council of Trent, and without coming to Nueva Es-
pafia, as the bishop of Manila, who was the suffragan
to the archbishop of Mexico, was compelled to do.
From one region to the other, the journey is more
than three thousand leguas; and, besides, it is evi-
dent that those islands could thus be better and more
fittingly governed in spiritual affairs.
Therefore I command you upon receipt of this de-
spatch, to propose to his Holiness, and supplicate
him, in my name, that he may be pleased to elevate
into a metropolitan see the said cathedral church of
Manila, and to create the three bishoprics aforesaid -
one in the church of the city of Nueva-Segovia in
the province of Cagayan in the island of Luzon, un-
der the protection of the Conception of Our Lady;
one in the city of Caceres in the territory of Cama-
rines, in the same island, under the protection of St.
John the Evangelist; and the other in the aforesaid
city of Santisimo Nombre de Xesus, in the island of
152 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
Cebu, of that archipelago, under the protection of
the guardian angel. In this way each one may ex-
ercise in his diocese the pastoral office ; and the metro-
politan archbishop, together with the bishops, may
labor with jurisdiction, authority, and power in the
conversion and instruction of the said natives; and
he and they may provide for other spiritual matters
which may seem desirable for the maintenance of
divine worship and the salvation of souls. But for
the present, and until affairs be more settled in those
regions and tithes established, no cathedral churches
shall be erected, or dignitaries or canonries provided
for, except that the bishops shall dwell privately in
the monasteries of their order which are situated in
the aforesaid cities. Nevertheless, in order that the
said cathedral churches may be erected in due time,
and that for the present, definite territories may be
assigned to the aforesaid archbishopric, and to the
bishops, you must thus entreat his Holiness, in my
name, to give me power to add to or to change the
said territories, when and in such wise as may seem
most fitting to me. At the same time, you will pre-
sent and nominate to his Holiness, in my name, Fray
Ygnacio de Santibanez,^^ of the order of St. Francis,
as archbishop of the aforesaid church of Manila, in
place of the late Fray Domingo de Salazar, of the
order of St. Dominic, the first and last bishop of that
city; for the bishopric of Nueva-Segovia, Fray Mi-
guel de Benavides, of the order of St. Dominic; for
the bishopric of the city of Santisimo Nombre de
" Ignacio de Santibanez, a Franciscan, was appointed first arch-
bishop of Manila; he then went to Nueva Espafia, where he was
consecrated in 1596, but did not take possession of his see until
1598. His term of office lasted less than three months, for he died
on August 14 of the same year.
I593-I597] FORMATION OF NEW DIOCESES 1 53
Xesus, in the island of Cebu, Fray Pedro de Agurto,
of the order of St. Augustine ; and for the bishopric
of the city of Caceres, Fray Luis Maldonado, of the
order of St. Francis. By these presents I nominate
them and offer them as candidates to his Holiness,
in order that by this nomination - which I make as
patron of all the churches of the Indias - he may be-
stow upon them these churches and the aforesaid
archbishopric and bishoprics ; for from the favorable
accounts that I have of the goodness, learning, virtue,
and exemplary lives of the aforesaid religious, I trust
that our Lord will be well served by these provisions
and the churches well governed and administered.
Moreover, in according me this, his Holiness will
confer upon me a special favor and kindness, which
you will therefore make known to him. You will also
tell him that in the absence of tithes, I have endowed
the archbishopric with an annuity of three thousand
ducats, drawn from my royal exchequer, and each of
the bishops with five hundred thousand maravedis "
annually. You will see to it that the bulls " on the
whole matter be sent out with the utmost promptitude
in order to reach the first fleet that sails. From Ma-
drid, on the seventeenth day of June, one thousand
five hundred and ninety-five.
I THE King
** The maravedi was a money of account ; thirty-four made a
real (see vol. m, p. 177). A royal decree dated June 14, 1595,
granted to Santibanez an annuity of 500,000 maravedis from Sa-
lazar's death until such time as his successor should enter upon his
duties as archbishop.
*^ By bulls given at Rome, August 14, 1595, the bishoprics of
Nueva Segovia, Cebu, and Nueva Caceres were established. The
right of changing the boundaries of the dioceses was reserved to
the papal nuncio in Spain; and the patronage was granted (as in
the new archbishopric of Manila) to the king of Spain.
LETTER FROM ANTONIO DE MORGA
TO FELIPE II
Sire:
On die tendi of this month of July [itV], I arrived
at port in diese Philipinas Islands with the fleet of
3Foar Majesty, and die reenforcements that were sent
to diis place by the viceroy Don Luis de Velaso),
under my command. I found the land at peace, and
more free from suspicions of enemies than it has been
hidierta. There is great hope that if moderate dili-
gence be shown, our Lord may be pleased to open
the door to the preaching of die gospel among the
heathen. This is proved by the harvest gathered by
the four descalced friars of the order of St. Francis,
who went hence to Xapon last year. I found Don
Luis Dasmarinas governing this land, on account of
the death of his father, as your Majesty will have
been fully informed ere this. I will serve according
to your Majesty's orders in the office of lieutenant-
general of these islands with as much care as my
strength will permit, until your Majesty may be
pleased to order otherwise. I humbly beseech your
Majesty that the method of procedure that is to be
followed here be sent to this kingdom with the utmost
despatch. May those who live here be granted re-
ward, for they have served your Majesty with much
I593-I597] MORQA TO FELIPE II 1 55
care and fidelity; and if the land is not burdened
with taxes, the maintenance and advancement of it
are likely to bring about great improvements even in
the neighboring kingdoms, to the service of God and
of your Majesty.
I shall commence the residencia which your Maj-
esty orders me to take in the case of Licentiate Pedro
de Rojas, my predecessor, and of other ministers, as
soon as these ships for Nueva Espafla have sailed. In
order not to hinder their despatch, it has seemed best
to postpone this work; but by the first ships I shall
do as your Majesty bids me in this matter.
I was inaugurated into my office as soon as I ar-
rived at this city, and concerning the inauguration
I send the accompanying report to your Majesty. As
I have come so recently I give no report in detail as
to what should be done in this region. From what I
have seen, however, it seems to me that I ought to
remind your Majesty of what I wrote from Mexico.
Your Majesty's treasury in these islands has been
administered at a great loss to your Majesty's ex-
chequer, and it is very necessary for your Majesty to
send someone to make investigations and set things
in order for the future. In that way your Majesty
will be enabled to meet the expenses incurred, with-
out providing therefor from Nueva Espafla, as is
done now. Everything is greatly in arrears. May
our Lord preserve the royal person of your Majesty
for many long years, as is needed by universal Chris-
tendom, and as we your Majesty's servants desire.
Manila, June 25, 1595.
Dr. Antonio Morga
[Order by the council: " Let a decree be issued
156 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
for the governor of the Philipinas to have these ac-
counts taken. They shall be taken by Doctor Antonio
de Morga. The results shall be sent to this council,
with an account of everything that is done, and his
opinion of what is meet to be done. A complete re-
port shall be made of the royal property in that
treasury."]
[Endorsed: " Considered May 27, 1596. Decree
enclosed."]
This is a true and faithful copy taken from a royal
decree and issued by the royal Council of the Indias,
which Doctor Antonio de Morga, assessor and lieu-
tenant to the governor in the judicial cases in these
Ffilipinas Islands, presented before Don Luis Perez
Dasmariflas, governor and captain-general thereof.
Its contents are as follows:
Don Felipe, by the grace of God king of Castilla,
[here follows the usual list of his dignities and titles] :
Appreciating what you. Doctor Antonio de Morga,
have done in my service, and your good qualities,
learning, and efficiency, it is my will to choose and
appoint you as I hereby do, my assessor and lieu-
tenant to my governor and captain-general of the
Filipinas, in place of Licentiate Pedro de Rojas, who
at present serves in said office, and whom I have pro-
moted as criminal alcalde of my royal Audiencia of
the City of Mexico. It is my will that you be lieu-
tenant-general of said governor and captain-general,
with jurisdiction in affairs of government and war,
to act as such; and, for the time that I may so desire,
you shall exercise said offices in the affairs and cases
which may arise in said islands, and relating to and
bearing on them, in the fulness and manner exercised
I593-I597] MORQA TO FELIPE II 157
by former lieutenant-generals, and by him who at
present fills that office in the provinces of Chile, in
the affairs of government and war. The governor
shall not appoint or have any other lieutenant; and
in prosecuting, determining, and closing the cases
which may occur, take place, or arise, in said islands,
you shall proceed in the form and order which is
contained and declared in the decree signed by my
hand on the seventeenth day of the month of January
of the present year, one thousand five hundred and
ninety-three. As concerns the cases and suits about
the Indians which may arise in those islands, you
shall proceed according to the decree of Malinas and
the declarations thereof, a copy of which will be
given you, signed by Joan de Ledesma, my court
secretary, of that which I have issued for the said
provinces of Chile. I have therefore sent my letter to
my said governor and captain-general of said islands,
and as soon as it shall be shown to him, he shall take
and receive from you, the said Doctor Antonio de
Morga, the oath and the formalities prescribed in
such cases and required from you. This having been
done, you shall be received and regarded as lieutenant
for matters of government and war and assessor for
matters of justice ; and you shall fill the said offices in
every case and affair touching or pertaining thereto,
as has been said. As soon as you shall have been re-
ceived into the said offices, and shall have had deliv-
ered to you the rod of my justice, no other lieutenant
whatever shall be permitted to exercise it, under the
penalty incurred by persons who exercise public and
royal offices without holding power and license there-
for. After you have taken the said rod of my justice,
he and all the citizens and inhabitants, and the cap-
158 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
tains, officers, and troops of the cities, towns, and
settlements of said islands shall have and hold you as
such lieutenant-general and assessor of the said gov-
ernment in government, war, and judicial affairs.
They shall cause to be exercised the functions of the
said offices in your person as herein provided, and
shall observe and cause to be observed for you all the
honors, favors, civilities, licenses, exemptions, pre-
eminences, prerogatives, privileges, and other things,
and each and every one thereof which by reason
of the said offices you should have and enjoy.
I, by these presents, receive you, and hold you re-
ceived into the use and exercise of the said offices ; and
I give you power and authority to use and exercise
them in case the said governor, or any of the afore-
said persons, should not receive you. It is my pleas-
ure that you have and receive as yearly salary for the
said offices two thousand pesos of four hundred and
fifty maravedis each. I order the officials of my ex-
chequer of the said islands to give and pay you this
salary from the day when you sail from one of the
two ports, Barrameda or Cadiz, on the way to assume
your duties in the said office. In the future your
salary shall be paid you, as long as you are in my
service, at the times and terms which were followed
in the payment of the said licentiate Pedro de Rojas.
Your receipts, a sworn statement of the day of your
sailing, as aforesaid, and a copy of this my decree
shall be entered in the books of the officials. I order
that the maravedis given and paid for this reason be
receipted and charged on account with no other war-
rant whatsoever. Given at San Lorengo, on the
eighteenth day of August in the year one thousand
five hundred and ninety-three. I THE KING
I593-I597] MORGA TO FELIPE II 1 59
I, Joan dc Ybarra, secretary of our lord the king,
have written this at his command.
The licentiate HiNOJOSA
Doctor Pedro Diaz de Tudancx)
The licentiate BENITO DE Caltadano
The licentiate Bartolome DE TOLEDO
Registered: Pedro DE Ledesma
For the chancellor: Pedro de Ledesma
This commission and royal decree was entered in
the books of the India House of Trade, of this city of
Sevilla, on the eleventh of January in the year one
thousand five hundred and ninety-three.
Doctor Gutierrez Flores
OCHOA DE ORGUIZA
Fernando de Porras
At Manila, the thirteenth day of June, of the year
one thousand five hundred and ninety-five, before
Don Luis Perez Dasmarifias, governor and captain-
general of these Ffilipinas Islands, by order of our
lord the king, and in the presence of me, the under-
signed notary, Doctor Antonio de Morga presented
this royal decree and petitioned for its execution.
When the said governor heard this, he took the de-
cree, kissed it, and placed it above his head, as a
decree of his king and natural lord (may our Lord
preserve him with increase of better kingdoms and
seigniories 1) ; and in token of his readiness to give
commands in fulfilment of his Majesty's orders.
Then the said governor took and received him on his
oath before God, our Lord, and on a sign of the cross
made by the right hand of the said Doctor Antonio
de Morga, that he would execute his trust and office
l6o THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [Vd.9
of lieutenant-general and assessor to the said gov-
ernor truly and faithfully, as was declared and con-
tained in this decree in conformity with the orders,
commands, and decrees which in any manner refer
or pertain to the said office and trust After he had
so sworn before the said governor, there was delivered
to him the rod of royal justice, in order that he might
enjoy and exercise the said office. To this were wit-
nesses: The licentiate Pedro de Rojas, Estevan de
Marquina.
Luis Perez DasmariNas
Before me :
Caspar de Asebo
The said copy was made, copied, corrected, and
collated from the government records under my
charge. It is a true and faithful copy of the records.
The witnesses were Diego de Ffuentes, and Alonso
de Aguilar. Given at Manila, on the twenty-third of
June in the year one thousand five hundred and
ninety-five. Therefore I affixed my seal, in witness
of its accuracy.
Caspar de Asebo
EXPEDITION TO CAMBOJA
INFORMATION, PETITIONS, AND STIPULATIONS
CONCERNING SENDING AID TO THE
KINGDOM OF CAMBOJA
Petition of Diego Beloso, ambassador of the king
of Camboja
I, Captain Beloso, appear before your Lordship
and say that I have lived ten years in the kingdom of
Camboja, where the king of that country has always
shown me great graces and favors, since I was ac-
quainted with his language, and has appeared highly
satisfied with me, as well in the conducting of matters
of peace as in matters of war and government. For
these reasons I am under great obligations to him,
and likewise because he is a person bound by close
ties to the Spaniards, and who consents and desires
that there should be in his kingdom churches and
Christians. He also maintains their ministers, as
appears from the two orders of the Dominicans and
Franciscans which he has in his country, whom he is
providing with provisions and personal service; and
he has not only maintained them but has sent to
Malaca and Macan a great deal of rice and wine, and
other presents. He has always held all Spaniards as
his friends, and received them in his courts and lands
with great friendship and graciousness. He has lent
aid to them in their need, as appears from the case of
l62 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
Captain Gregorio de Bargas, and Bias Rmys, who in
the year of ninety-two sailed from the city of Canton
in the land of China, with the intention of going to
the said kingdom of Canboja in order to examine and
explore the said country, and to bring about com-
munication between the said king and this city, for
they were already aware of his desire and his friendly
disposition. During the voyage the king of Chanpan,
like the tyrant and pirate that he is, treacherously
robbed and captured them, and held them
in that captivity until they were obliged to leave
in flight, with much cunning and craft, alone
and taking nothing with them. After suffering
inunense hardships, they arrived at his city poor
and in ill condition. The said king of Canvoja
received them kindly, treated them well, and lent aid
to their needs. He was much pleased with them
when he found that they were from this country, and
that they had intended to come to his. He was greatly
pained to leara of their captivity and loss, and had
much pity for them when he found what misery and
hardship they had endured. For their coming was a
thing which he desired much on account of the many
things which I often told him, because he had always
been interested in them, and because of the many con-
versations which I had with him. I recounted to him
the greatness of his Majesty and of this city, where-
upon he showed a lively pleasure in all, and was led
to wish to communicate with the city, of which com-
munication he was already greatly desirous. With
the arrival of the said persons and what they told him,
he completed his information concerning the matters
that he had learned from me. At that time he was
suspicious of the king of Ssian, who was his bitter
I593-I597] EXPEDITION TO CAMBOJA 163
enemy, as well as the enemy of Christianity and of the
Spanish nation, and with whom he was in a state of
open warfare. He preferred to avail himself of aid
from the Christians rather than from the heathens or
Moros who dwelt in the neighborhood, if he could
do so. He gave entire credit to what we had told
him, and what we were then telling him. He con-
firmed by deed the love which he had shown to all of
us Spaniards, and decided to send an embassy to the
governor of these islands, seeking aid for the conflict
in which he feared he would soon find himself. This
embassy he entrusted to me and to Captain Gregorio
de Vargas, placing more confidence in us than in any
of his own subjects. The said Bias Rruiz he kept in
his service to satisfy the wishes of some of his own
subjects, who, because they do not like him, opposed
the voyage and the embassies. He wrote to the said
governor a letter, written on a leaf of beaten gold,
and sent as a present an elephant, slaves, and other
articles, as appears by the said embassy, to which I
refer you. This embassy we carried out, on arriving
at this city, delivering the letter and the presents, and
were engaged in it many days, beseeching the last
governor to send the king some aid, in order to re-
deem him from the utter ruin which afterward hap-
pened. As this country was on the point of sending
an expedition to Maluco, the governor deferred the
aid. After your Lordship succeeded to the govern-
ment, you despatched me and gave me an answer for
the said king, sending him a Castilian horse with
trappings, and a rich jewel of emeralds. When I
arrived at the said kingdom of Canvoja I sent a sol-
dier named Pantalcon Carncro to give the news to
the king, and to take measures to learn the state in
l64 THB PHIUPPINB ISLANDS iy«L9
which die country was -all of which is cjqplMUied
more at length by diis information which I am pre-
senting, and which I drew up in Sian before die re-
ligious, together widi die persons who went widi me,
to clear myself and in order that it mig^t appear
thereby that die embassy was accomplished I peti-
ti<m that it be examined, and a copy be given me as a
safeguard for my exoneration in all particulars. In
fact the Sianese robbed and captured us and we were
carried as prisoners to the city of Judea,** which is in
die kingdom of Sian. Here we found die f adiers and
other Christians, who had come from Canvoja, and
who were in a sad and unfortunate captivity; diey
were allowed no churches or provisions, but mmt
seek dieir food as alms from the heathen, so that the
affliction and misfortune which they undergo is a
most pitiable thing. When we were all joined to-
gether and saw what we must suffer, we decided to
seek some remedy. We considered the state of dutt
kingdom, and that the king had expended his sub-
stance and had few Sianese troops, on account of the
many who had died in the war with Camboja and the
war which he was carrying on with Pegu - who had
sent a great army against him, so that there were none
left in the city except children and women; and that
he is a very cruel tyrant and a persecutor of the holy
Catholic faith, and will consent to no Christian place
of worship in his kingdom, but rather destroys them,
and burns those which he may find in other kingdoms.
He receives in his kingdom the worship of Mahoma,
which is preached with his consent, and he gives per-
*• Better known as Yuthia (a name corrupted from the San-
scrit) ; it was the ancient capital of Siam, and lies on the river
Meinam, fifty-four miles above Bangkok.
I593-I597] EXPEDITION TO CAMBOJA 165
mission to his subjects to turn Moors. We also con-
sidered the king of Canboja was such a friend of ours
that he protected our faith, and that he was so
placed that he would be heartily pleased to aid
the Spaniards with all his power against that
tyrant, because the latter would then be destroyed
and put in the power of the Spaniards. For
this is what he wishes, even although he should
help the Spaniards to win all the kingdoms in
the neighborhood, of which there are more than
twelve; for I have always heard this from him, and
further that he wishes to be a Christian and that his
whole kingdom should be Christian. Accordingly,
pondering over what means we could use to advise
your Lordship of all this - as you are a person so jeal-
ous of the honor of God and the service of his Maj-
esty, and are in a position to remedy it all ; and, with
so good and certain an ally, would win all those rich
kingdoms and reduce to the holy Catholic faith so
many thousands of souls, which are being lost, not
by their own fault -wc noticed that the king of
Sian had been much pained by the death, before he
had seen it, of the horse which was brought from your
Lordship. And, considering the great pleasure
which he took in a philosopher's stone, we promised
him that if he would send me to this country I should
bring him back a large horse and mare for breeding,
and a philosopher's stone a cubit long, which he had
said he would prize much. Out of desire for these
things, he ordered that I be sent back; and told the
fathers that they on his behalf should write to your
Lordship - for he is so arrogant that he even sets no
store by writing. He ordered to be given to me, to
present to your Lordship, two elephants and an ivory
■:^
i66 THE raiupnNi muaam HUL*
tadcy whidh I lunre tlieady ddhreced to your Lord*
diip. After I set out vpoa die voyAge I imdenfent
many htrdihiiNi is I irriTed tt Mtltca with US
W€adier» MndwhemAc diief ctptain fmmd what met*
•age I was canying and learned nqr intentioiis in the
matteri he wished to interfere widi me and detain me
and stop die voyage. He attempted to take the de»
jrfiants from die junk, in order to send timn to 609%
and to take me prisoner. And in fact I sofltered in
die said dty and fortress of Malaca, more hardships
and iiindranoes dian among die headien hefore I was
sent on die road widi tiiese letters to bring to yoor
Lorddupi as appears more at lengdi by die infbrma*
tion whidi I have given yoar Majesty for tlie remei^
ofaUdus.
In tlie name of die king of Canvoja, iR^iose ambas^
sador I am, and on behalf of the religious and odier
Christians who are in captivity in the kingdom of
Ssian, and on nqr own behalf, as ambassador to yoor
Lordship, I petition and besMch that you be pleased
to attend to the giving of the aid which has been
sought by him. And now I petition in the name of
this poor and much-beset king of Canvoja, who is so
friendly to our nation and to Christianity, more espe-
cially at present, when he has been ruined and is in
danger of a return of the king of Sian against him
(who would make complete the ruin and desolation
of his country) , so good a friend of ours, who has 00
one to aid him. And especially will this aid now be
of profit and of immense importance, as the king of
Sian is without troops of war and has them scattered ;
and each day he is becoming more powerful and is
possessing himself of the kingdom of Pegu - whose
king likewise is a very close friend of the Christians -
I593-I597] EXPEDITION TO CAMBOJA 167
and he is destroying Christian lands and churches
which lie within that kingdom, in large nunnibers. If
the aid which your Lordship would send were joined
to the power of Canvoja, the principal city of Sian
nniight easily be taken ; and then the other kingdonnis
could imnniediately and easily be won, for when this
one is undone the others have no spirit to defend
thenniselves singly. As the said king of Canvoja con-
tinues always to favor and help the Spaniards, as it is
certain that he will do, Yndia cannot come to aid in
this as it has so many enemies at its gates; and, if your
Lordship lend this most just aid, you will add greatly
to the service of God our Lord, and it will redound to
the great increase of the Christian religion, and will
augment the royal crown of the king our lord - be-
sides being a work of charity to succor the man who
cries for favor and help, that he may become a Chris-
tian. For when he becomes so it will be very easy
to bring all those of his kingdom over, with some lit-
tle effort to see that so good a desire is realized.
There are a number of other things which your Lord-
ship can examine and consider in the letters sent by
the bishop of Malaca, and those of the religious who
remain in Ssian. Beside this there would result an
important entrance onto the mainland whence great
increase and wealth might result. As to the doubt
which exists as to the state in which the king of Can-
voja is, I will say that at the time when I was about
to leave the city of Ssian there arrived some Sianese
soldiers of the number who were in the garrison in
Canvoja; and they said that the king thereof had
come down from the mountains where he was, and
had killed and captured all the Sianese who were
there, except some few who had escaped into the
its THE PmUPFINB BLANDB (YoLg
moantains; aad that they bad killed his biothery who
had favored die Sianese in Canvoja to diat die nativet
dioold oome to him. The Yirrey which had le^
mained diere had soncndered to the king of Canvoja,
who was already poMetied of all his lands. This was
quite gienerally known in Ssian, and the king learned
of it; and, fearing lest he of Canvoja should come
to that country by sea, while he bad no troops^ be sent
three oared vesfels to act as sentinels at the mouths of
the rivers, to see if be of Canvoja should come, aiid
to advise him thereof . At the time when I went down
the river the other three vesfels went down, and at
the moudi met a Sianese ship mdiicb was coming from
Canvoja, and they told me that the king thereof was
lord of his land and sea, and that diey bad escaped
with mudi difficulty. They said that there was not
at present a Sianese in Canvoja who was not cap-
tured* Widi this second news diey confirmed that in
the city. When this was learned by die people in die
three ships who were acting as sentinels, they went
back to tell the king of it, that he might send more
men to the senthiel ships, so that they should not be
easily overcome, since the king of Canvoja was lord of
his lands. I have no doubt that if the king of Sian
were gone with all his army, he of Canvoja would
wage war; and the Sianese without their king are a
people who have no spirit, or arms for their defense,
for they possess nothing more than machetes, small
bucklers, and javelins made of cane, all of which is a
mere trifling armament. The men of Canvoja have
many arrows and are very skilful with them. If the
king was conquered at first it was because of the little
confidence which he had in his own subjects; for, in
short, it has since transpired that the larger part of
I593-IS97] EXPEDITION TO CAMBOJA 169
them went over to the side of the king of Sian to his
own brother, whom he afterwards killed, as I have
said. I assure you that the Canvojans, in company
with the Spaniards whose aid they would have, are a
stronger nation than in all the rest of the country on
the field, owing to the advantage in arms which they
have over all the other nations in those regions. Ac-
cordingly I beseech you not to lose such a friend and
helper, and that your Lordship should not permit
that through lack of reinforcements, since they can
be given, he and his subjects should again become
heathens and lose their souls. I remind your Lord-
ship that in the instructions which his Majesty has
sent to this city he instructs you that the neighboring
kingdoms should be favored, and especially that of
Canvoja, for he knows that that is friendly. Again
I beseech your Lordship as respectfully as I can,
since it is a matter of so great importance which
should not be lost, nor should such a wonderful
chance be allowed to pass and no advantage taken of
it, and of so great a benefit as it promises. I would
remind your Lordship that, in the sending of this aid,
promptness is above all necessary, in order that it
may have a prosperous and successful result. It
would be best that it should leave here sometime dur-
ing the month of September of this year, one thousand
five hundred and ninety-five, for that is the best time
of the year to follow up these enterprises in favorable
weather, since we have ready for it a well-supplied
place of residence in which to live and remain secure.
In short I petition everything which can be petitioned
in such a matter, and which is fitting and could be
done, and would result in profit and utility for my
parties and for the persons for whom I speak; and
170 TBE FHUPPINB nUIMM [VUL*
abofe ill I plead for joMioe in iskiiig tlie tid wiiicli
of right sboQld be gtwoL
FvrdieniMre I uj diat in die ntme of die king of
Canfojt, if his todMMtdory I am prepared id dmr
np widi joor Lorddup sdpoladoni^ and I dedare
diat what thaU be agreed to in his nanie be will com- -
ply widi| widMNit in any wise failing. *For in thk
whcde matter I hold his andiority to tpeaki whidh is
die tame as is in pracdee among m^ and whkh ho
gave me at my leave-takings when he told nie to ose
oveiy means to bring him help, and in his name to do
and promise eversfdiing whidi should appear best to
mOi for he should be pleased to oomply widi all of
dim. He said diat his final aim was to be a Chris-
tian, and that this I should tell the governor; and
fortfaer diat he wished to lend all his power to the
Spaniards^ so that diey could omqoer die surround-
ing kingdoms and possess diem. As for him and his
diildren, he wished no more dian his own kingdomi
converted to the faith. Accordingly I am ready to
make in his name whatever stipulations may be just,
and to bind him thereto as his ambassador, since I am
doing it for his sake. On account of this desire, I beg
your Lordship, in case this does not take place by
reason of some insurmountable difficulty, to order
given to me a testimonial of all these matters in such
wise as will give them credit; for I intend to go there-
with and present myself before his Majesty, seeking
justice.
Diego Beloso
In the city of Manila, on the first day of August
of the year one thousand five hundred and ninety-five,
before Don Luis Perez Dasmarinas : Have this ped-
I593-I597] EXPEDITION TO CAMBOJA 171
tion and information presented, and let Captain
Diego Beloso present a menniorial of the number of
troops and of other things which he desires and seeks
as ambassador of the king of Canvoja, so that, having
been examined by his Lordship, he may make the
necessary provision. Likewise let him propose the
stipulations to be complied with by the king of Can-
voja, and carried out, providing the aid which he
seeks is sent. Accordingly I have pronounced and
signed this.
Luis Perez
Before me :
ESTEVAN DE MARQUINA
Brief memorial by the ambassadors of the king of
Canvoja
We, Captain Diego Beloso and Captain Gregorio
de Vargas, declare that for the better understanding
of this petition of the king of Canvoja for aid, there
must be considered the matters which the said king
told me, Diego Beloso, for the governor of Manilla,
and which are now given in writing. And we beg
that they be examined with the rest in connection with
this solicitation.
1. In the first place that the king's verbal instruc-
tions to Diego Beloso be examined, as they contain
the substance of the embassy.
2. In the second place the aid is sought to carry
on offensive operations against no neighboring coun-
try, but only through this means to become Christian,
and to defend himself, and keep the people in sub-
jection ; for, if the king were baptized without having
Spaniards in the country, it would cause rebellion and
desertion to Sian. If he has Spaniards his own sub-
172 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [Vd.9
jects will be obliged to join the faith, and neighboring
kingdoms will abandon Mahoma.
3. In the third place it must be considered that
the said king is powerful and independent; and when
he sent for this aid he was in all prosperity, and did
not greatly fear the king of Sian, for he had beaten
him before. But he was merely sending for the
Christians to declare his faith, and the contents of
the letter of embassy were meant to satisfy his nobles.
He will be content with his kingdom alone, and will
leave the Spaniards all that they may conquer, offer-
ing them his power in the future.
4. [Summarized: Likewise should be considered
the great faith which he has so long maintained, hav-
ing supported religious of two orders, the Dominicans
and Franciscans, in his country for thirty years with
necessaries and servants, and sending occasionally to
Malaca and Macan for Spanish messengers. He has
always helped all the Spaniards and other Christians
who were in his country, and given the fathers license
to preach over all the land. He has exempted all con-
verts from tribute, and bidden them give recogni-
tion to the fathers. He has always listened to the
wishes of the fathers and has sought to gather a num-
ber of Christians -ordering all vessels which leave
his country to try to bring Spaniards and other Chris-
tians back; and, if they found them captives, to ran-
som them at any price. In this way he got several
together in his country, and favored them more than
his own subjects. The larger part of his guard of
arquebusiers were Christians, although not Spaniards ;
and he paid them well, and favored them so much
that they dared to kill his other subjects. He gave
money to the Spaniards and treated them much better
I593-I597] EXPEDITION TO CAMBOJA 173
than his own nobles, who were accordingly aggrieved.
In the year 93, I, Gregorio de Vargas, and Bias
Rruiz, my companion, arrived there, as we had heard
of him in Macan. iWe determined at the risk of our
lives and the cost of our goods to procure him a com-
munication with this city and make him an ally. We
told him of ourselves, and as he believed us, he sent
this embassy, seeking aid. And this we seek that
such an important country be not lost for the lack of so
little aid; and because it is for the service of God our
Lord, and of his Majesty, and will add to the Spanish
renown, and the faith of Jesus will be established on
the continent, where it may extend through all those
great and powerful heathen countries to His honor
and glory.]
This is the truth of what we know and think in this
matter, according to our best knowledge, through
God and on our conscience; and we swear it by God
and upon the cross, and sign it with our names.
Gregorio de Vargas
Diego Velosso
I, Captain Diego de Veloso, ambassador of the
king of Canvoja, declare that in a petition which I
gave in the name of the said king, your Lordship, de-
creeing thereon, ordered me to give a memorial con-
cerning the articles necessary for the help which I
seek; and in compliance with the command of your
Lordship I would say that for the said aid to be ef-
fective, and in order that the said king shall be able
to defend his kingdom therewith, and win back that
of the tyrant, from which it is to be taken, the follow-
ing things are necessary :
In the first place, the largest possible number of
174 nn PHIUPPINB ISLANDS CVioLg
Spsoiirdt tfitt joar Lordship oui tend widi the laid
sidy indodiiig arqndmiieff sad amskeleerSi bdag
wteran sad well snned aad diici(diDed toldien -of
whom diere ihoold be no leu than diree hundred.
Item. Am msny at ponible of native Indians ^wfho
have gime on expeditions widi die said Spaniards, and
are' well drilled^ so that being mixed widi die said
Spaniards, and as far as possible being arqudHisien,
tfaejr will be effective on die field
lUm. A galley widiout slaves, widi fall sail, oars,
and artillery.
Item. The vessel '^Noestra Sefiora del Rosario,^
and die little vessd which went to China, called
^ Santiago,^ and die necessary f ragatas for die troops,
vHdi all die artillery which can be spi^red.
Item. Eig^t caracoas and virreys, widiout crews.
All of which, as I have said to your Lordship, is
the least which can be sent for the said help, wherdby
the said king would receive a gracious favor.
DibqoVeloh)
At Manilla, on the third of the month of August in
the year one thousand five hundred and ninety-five,
before the governor and captain-general of these
islands, Don Luis Perez das Marinas, was presented
this petition, and having examined it he spoke. Hav-
ing examined it, his Lordship commanded that it be
placed with the other papers, and that Diego Veioso
appear before his Lordship, to come to an agreement
over the conditions which are to be agreed upon and
concluded by the king of Canvoja and the under-
signed, in case the aid which he seeks should be
granted. Luis Perez Dasmarinas
Before me: Estevan de MarquiSa
I593-I597] EXPEDITION TO CAMBOJA 175
In the city of Manila, on the third of August, in
the year one thousand five hundred and ninety-five,
Don Luis Perez Dasmarinas, knight of the order of
Alcantara, governor and captain-general in this coun-
try, did graciously cause to appear Captain Diego
Beloso and Gregorio de Vargas Machuca, residents
in this city, who said that they, as ambassadors of the
king of Canvoja, had come before his Lordship to ex-
amine the stipulations which he proposed as the effect
and object of his embassy, and contingent upon the
aid which they had come to seek -so that, having
seen and copied them, a resolution might be reached.
Having been examined by his Lordship, he pro-
posed to them that, in case the aid which they sought
were accorded, the king of Canvoja must swear and
promise to keep and comply with the stipulations,
and that at no time shall he or his successors break
them or violate them.
Stipulations
1. In the first place the king of Canvoja, his wife
and children, and his household must be baptized,
and must receive the faith and gospel of Jesus Christ
our very God and Lord; and he must allow it freely
to be preached in his country and realm, and lend all
his favor and help to it and to the building of
churches, protecting and favoring the said fathers,
and ministers.
2. So soon as the Spaniards have arrived in his
country he must give them for their accommodation
a port, and a good site for settlement and fortifica-
tion, which settlement and fortification he must aid
to construct with his men, with all haste, and at his
176 JHB PHIUPPDnt ISLANDS [V«L9
own ezpeme for die first tune, since it is for his de-
fotsei protecticm, and greater safety.
3. He must pay die troops and camp people, sol-
diers, captains, commander, and odier officers of war,
so long as, and dnring the time wtule they shall not
have any repartimientos or odier certain sources of
income whereby to maintain themselves; this pay
must be punctual, and fully paid by thirds.of a year,
and likewise he must supply die camp widi provi*
sioos, in such wise diat they shall not suffer need or
lack the necessary supplies.
4. In die matters in which he seeks our favor and
help we shall only be bound to give them when diose
matters are justifiknl and rig^t, and as such permitted
by our holy faidi, and of no other kind Omse-
quendy, for this favor and help which is accorded
to him he must swear to be a perpetual and faithful
friend of our king and lord Doa Felipe II, and of
the prince our lord, his son, Don Felipe III, and of
his other successors in the kingdom; and as sudi,
whenever occasion shall arise which makes it neces-
sary for defense or offense, and to carry expeditions
into other neighboring kingdoms and lands, he will
aid with his troops, elephants, and vessels, in so great
number as he conveniently can without embarrass-
ment, conformably to the power and forces which he
shall have at that time available therefor, without
binding or obliging himself in case of evident lack or
need therefor.
5. In the expeditions which the king of Canvoja
shall with justice undertake against other kingdoms
and lands in which the Spaniards may help him, if
they are victorious, he must share with his Majesty
what may be won of such lands and kingdoms, that
1593-1597] EXPEDITION TO CAMBOJA 177
it may be placed under his royal ownership, and that
he may do with them as with his own, whatever he
may please. Furthermore, of the spoils and gains
from the sacking of such lands, cities, and kingdoms
he must give to the soldiers who shall go to aid him
in such expedition, if he does not pay any other salary
or wages, a third thereof ; and," if he does pay other
wages, a fourth.
6. Item. The Spaniards who go must be subject
to their superior commander, who takes them in his
charge, and who shall be appointed by me. They
are to be punished by him for any wrong-doing which
they commit, and the same must hold true in the ex-
peditions which they make ; and the colors must not
be lowered to any other persons except those cus-
tomary among ourselves, nor to any other ensign,
standard, or person; but, in whatever place and oc-
casion they may be, they must keep their due and
just place.
7. The king and his sons, or he who shall succeed
him in the kingdom, must swear that never, after
the Spaniards shall be in their country and kingdom,
and shall preach the gospel of Jesus Christ our God
and Lord, will they receive therein or consent to any
false doctrine, or allow any other faith to be obeyed
or publicly preached, or that there shall be set apart
for it houses, persons, or public places.
8. In case that he shall lack children or legiti-
mate successors, and must name a successor in the
kingdom, it should be with the advice of persons dep-
utized and commanded by the Spaniards, and with
that of the superior or superiors of the religious
and the orders which may be in his country. He
must not appoint or leave as successor in the kingdom
178 THE PHIUPPINB ISLANDS (Y^B
any one who it not a Chrittitiiy or who will not fwetr
to keep and comply widi theie stipoladoos at he doet.
In cate tfiat he thonld lad;: lelativet or odier pertooi
to whom rig^dy and jotdy die tuooettion of die king;-
dom thonld f ally and he hat to name tome oolttde
permiy it mutt he onr king and lord Dm FeUpOp or
die l^g^idmate tiicoeitor who may be reigning at that
time.
Thete taid eight tdpnladcmt jutt g^ven were pro-
poted by hit Lordthip to die taid Diego Beloto and
Gregorio de Vargat, ambattadort of die taid king
of CanToja, that they might examine diem and Gon«^
fer togetlieri and promite in the name of die taid king
that if die taid aid were tent he would formally and
duly twear to keep, accept and comply widi diem,
according at their toior deiiiandedi widurat breaking
or violating thaa^ or any part diereof at any time-
neither he, nor hit tuccetsort and heirii under penally
that if they thould break or violate them, or any part
of them, from that time on die Spaniardt remained
freed and no longer bound to the aid and help which
they are to give if these stipulations are complied
with; and they may freely do what seems best to
them.
The said stipulations having been examined by the
said Diego Beloso and Gregorio de Vargas, and hav-
ing discussed and conferred in regard to them as to
what was expedient, they said that the king of Can-
voja would accept them all and comply with them ;
for they have learned from him that very willingly
will he receive them, and swear to carry them out for
himself and for his successors. This they have
understood and regard as the truth, considering the
eagerness with which they have seen him seek for
I593-I597] EXPEDITION TO CAMBOJA 179
and desire the friendship of the Spaniards, and their
presence in his land, beside the matters which he has
mentioned and communicated to them very partic-
ularly. They consider it certain that at present his
desires will be the stronger on account of what has
happened to him ; they except in all the above only
two things, one of which is that he should not be
obliged in any way to force his wife and children
immediately to become Christians, but that he with-
out doubt would do so. The other is that he also
should not bind himself to pay and maintain the
troops of war who go there to aid him ; since for this
the said king will give one of the best provinces of
his kingdom, so that out of the tributes and profits
thereof the said troops may be maintained and paid.
With these two exceptions and declarations, in all
the rest they promise and bind themselves, as am-
bassadors of the said king of Canvoja, so far as they
can and ought to be bound ; and as further evidence
thereof they give their word and bond for him that
he will do and fulfil what they therein agree upon
and promise in his name, that he will accept, comply
with, and keep, and swear to keep and comply with
the said stipulations, and that at no time shall he or
his successors break them or violate them, or any part
thereof, under the penalties provided for and in-
curred by those who shall violate the faith and loy-
alty which they promise in so great and important
matters. Accordingly, if the aid which is sought be
furnished them, he on his part will comply with that
which is asked from him, without in any manner
failing. They as his ambassadors, with all the power
which they hold and as best they can and should,
bind the said king and swear in his name to its fulfil-
M'
l8o THE PHIUPPINB ISLANDS [V0L9
ment, diioagh God our Lord, witb the sign of the
croM and upon die holy gotpeb, in legal form. Thef
•iglied it widi their names, to i^iiich the midenigned
notary attests; and likewise they promised under die
Sidd oadi diat^ in the effecting and eiecution of the
aforesaid, diey will act as they ought and are bound
to do^ as faithful and loyal vassab of the king our
lord.
DibooBeloso
GRBGORIO DB ViUtQAS MACHUCA
Before me:
ESTE^AN DB MARQUINA
INSTRUCTIONS TO FIGUEROA
In the city of Manila, on the thirteenth day of No-
vember, one thousand five hundred and ninety-five,
Don Luis Perez Dasmarinas, knight of the order of
Alcantara, governor and captain-general of these
Filipinas Islands for our lord the king, declares that
he has considered the documents and ofiicial acts
hitherto made and issued in regard to the settlement
and pacification of the island of Mindanao by Cap-
tain Rodriguez de Figueroa, as stated in the report
and account sent by the alcalde-mayor of Oton con-
cerning the present invasion of the province of Pin-
tados by hostile caracoas. The said governor has
also considered the pleas offered in the same matter
by Don Francisco de Po^a y Guevara y Con^ortes
for himself and the other encomenderos of the said
island of Mindanao; and also the recent discussion,
consultation, and conference upon the said expedi-
tion and the results thereof. I declare that I ought
to direct, and do direct, that Captain Estevan Ro-
driguez de Figueroa shall be notified to make the
said expedition, pacification, and settlement of the
said island of Mindanao after the following manner.
First: He shall observe and comply with the
commands of our lord the king as laid down in two
sections of a royal letter dated at Madrid June ii,
I
iSa THE PHIUPPINB I8LANDB [VU.9
one diooMnd five hundred and nhMy^Umt^ At tenor
of which it as follows:
^ I have considered the directicms given by yoo to
Captain Estevan Rodiigoez de Figoeioa as to die
pacification of Mindanao, and approve thereof. I
sanction the carrying of these provisions into effect
provided diat the third part which he is directed
to set off by itself, to be distributed in enamiendaSp
shall not in income exceed fifteen thousand pesos of
eig^t reals. It is understood that this is allowed for
the pacification of die endre island, and diat a pro-
pordonate allowance is made for a pardal padfica*
don. Tou are also empowered to offer him diat die
dde of mariscal of die said island will be given him
as soon as he shall report diat the said island is pad--
fied, and that he has complied with the agreement^
and has imposed laws; and to bid him to observe die
ordinances and instrucdons made for the said padfi-
cadon, without esrceeding them.
'^ I take advantage of' this opportunity to charge
you anew that in this exploration and in all the others
that shall be made you shall see to it that the afore-
said instructions and ordinances for new explorations,
entrances, and collections of tribute, and the other
laws governing these matters be observed, taking care
that they are not transgressed in any particular.''
These two articles are to be held to be included in
the regulations laid down by the late governor and
captain-general of these islands, Gomez Perez Das-
marinas, for the government of the said Captain Es-
tevan Rodriguez, in the city of Manila, May 12,
1591, before Juan de Cuellar, his notary; and by
virtue of the said letter of the king our lord I offered
the said Captain Estevan Rodriguez to give and
I593-I597] INSTRUCTIONS TO FIGUEROA 183
transmit to him in his royal name the title of mariscal
of the said island of Mindanao as soon as he should
report that he had pacified it and complied with the
stipulations agreed upon; and I also charged and I
charge him to fulfil the other matters contained in
the said articles, and I acquaint him with their con-
tents, all with a view to his observing and complying
with the contents thereof.
Likewise in the interim before our lord the king
is advised of that which is done and happens on the
said expedition and pacification, and until he replies
transmitting a statement as to what must be observed
and performed, in order that some inconveniences
which may arise in the said interim may be brought
to an end, the said Captain Estevan Rodriguez is re-
quired to promise and to offer his person and goods
as security that, in so far as concerns the persons
whom he shall judge proper to receive encomiendas
in the said island of Mindanao, and who may re-
ceive damage if the said encomiendas are taken from
them, or others assigned to them, they shall keep and
maintain the same status in such encomiendas. The
encomiendas which are to be assigned and those
which have been assigned and allotted with the bulk
of Indians who are not pacified, and from whom no
tribute has been collected, shall be assigned by the
said captain, conformably to the provision. As for
the encomiendas which have revolted after tributes
have been collected from them, whose encomenderos
are on the way or have been sent to that country (they
having been women and minors at the time of this
pacification), when they have taken citizenship and
complied with the other commands of his Majesty,
the said Captain Estevan Rrodriguez shall give them
184 THB PHILIPPINB ISLANDS CVaL»
over at toon as pacified to the said encomenderoi.
When such eaooioieBdas have a certain number of
IndianSi diat number must be fumidied. But if lo-
cated in valleys, provinces, or rivers, widiout a set-
tied number of Indians, tlicy must be allotted in an
equitable number according to the character and
services of die encomenderos, so that there may be
enough for all. The encomiendas which are peace-
ful and where tributes are collected, such as those
of Butuan, and odiers similar, shall remain entirely
in die possession of diose who hold them; and tfaef
diall not be oblige to aid in the pacification or in
any other matter, and shall enjoy their possessicm.
As for die actual number of tributes, it appears best
at present that die patrons should collect and hold
tfand only from the pacified Indians, and no others.
If they should wish to go or send, as has been said,
to this pacification, the said Captain Estevan Rro*
drigues must assign and give to them shares in die
same pacified encomiendas, beside what they possess,
and collect at present, and as many Indians as shall
appear most just, according to their rank and serv-
ices, and the number which they have on their enco-
miendas. This must be expedited and executed by
the said Captain Estevan Rodriguez de Figueroa,
who will keep this matter in mind, and comply and
follow it in this wise for the present until his Maj-
esty shall provide and command otherwise (when he
will immediately be informed), without prejudice
to the service of the parties to the said encomiendas ;
and, in case they should feel aggrieved, they shall
appeal to his Majesty in their own behalf, if they so
desire.
2. Likewise he shall neither receive nor welcome-
I593-I597] INSTRUCTIONS TO FIGUEROA 185
any outlawed delinquent, or any other person, who
shall go without license from the governor to the
island of Mindanao; and those who shall so go, he
shall deliver over or send back, as this is necessary
for the safety and quiet of this commonwealth, and
in order to avoid great inconveniences, evils, and in-
juries which might occur, and would work ill to the
service of God and his Majesty, and injury to this
commonwealth.
3. Item. He shall allow no intercourse whatso-
ever with Nueva EspaAa, nor send any boat or ves-
sel thither, without communicating and informing
us in this city and commonwealth, in order that the
trade and intercourse shall be on the terms and in
the manner which it is most fitting that it should be,
so that there may result therefrom no injury, dam-
age, or loss to this commonwealth ; and no such thing
should be done without its consent, unless by the com-
mission and express order of his Majesty.
4. Item. In case this colony should be surrounded
and beset with any enemy, or should be in any need
or conflict, so that aid should be necessary, when the
said Captain Estevan Rrodriguez learns and is aware
thereof, or is informed of it, he shall come with the
greatest haste and the largest force possible to its aid,
without attempting to exempt or excuse himself, or
neglecting to do this in any way, for any reason, nor
in any manner. And likewise when there is any
necessity of the forces at Maluco and Anbueno being
reenforced, he shall aid them in the best manner pos-
sible. He shall be intent upon the interests of his
Majesty, and other just and pious causes and inter-
ests pertaining to the service of God and of his Maj-
esty which should influence him ; and because he is
l86 im PHIUPPINB ISLANDS {Yd^g
•6 near and acoeisible he can render aid with die
ntniOit convenience,
5. Item. He thall not engage in, commencei or
carry out any odier expedition or entry into any realm
or idand, far or near, widiout die spedal comnut-
•ion and order to be lecored dierefor from his Maj*
eity*
6. Item. He shall keep and ccmiplywidi die said
ordinances and commandSi which his Majesty di-
rects die said governor to impoie upon him and
cause him to ccmipty widi, in this and odier discov-
eries, widiout exceeding changing, or violating them,
or neglecting to ccmiply with and keep each and
eveiy one of diem. And if he shall execute any sen-
tence in any cause or suit to anyone's prejudice, dam-
tge, or grievance, he shall pay, as damage for the
party, die losses which were undergone and suffered
by the parties through hioL
All this that has been said the said Captain Este-
van Rrodriguez must promise to keep and comply
withy under the said obligation of his person and
goods. Having accepted, as above stated, the said
expedition, the said Captain Estevan Rrodriguez de
Figueroa was informed and made aware of the
agreement contained herein concerning the said ex-
pedition and pacification, by virtue of the empower-
ing instrument which he holds to that effect, and of
the resolve and determination that it should have and
has entire and complete force, as his Majesty per-
mits and commands. He said that he was ready to
allow all necessary provision to be made for the said
expedition, that it might be immediately put in exe-
cution, as is necessary. And if the parties interested
wish to bring it to trial, they shall do so before his
I593-I597] INSTRUCTIONS TO FIGUEROA 187
Lordship, so that they may carry it on to his Maj-
esty; and the royal offices in this city should be noti-
fied if they have anything to petition, which they
seek for. Thereupon he protested to the said Captain
Estevan Rrodriguez what he had before said and
protested to this effect, and which is most practical
and convenient. Accordingly I decree, command,
and petition, with testimony, jointly and in accord
with the opinion of Doctor Antonio de Morga, my
counselor and lietutenant-general.
Luis Perez Dasmarinas
Don Antonio de Morga
Before me:
Caspar de Acebo
Notifications
The said act has been brought to the notice of the
said Captain Estevan Rrodriguez, and of the royal
officials, and of the city government of Manila, so
that each may petition as they see fit
Acceptance of the expedition to Mindanao
In the city of Manila, on the sixteenth day of the
month of November in the year one thousand five
hundred and ninety-five, before me, the undersigned
notary, appeared in person Captain Estavan Rodri-
guez de Figueroa, who, some three days more or less
before, had been notified by me, the present notary,
of an act of the governor and captain-general of
these islands relating to the expedition and pacifica-
tion of the island of Mindanao. Having answered
to this that he would take it, he now responds that
from the instant and hour when he was notified of
the said act he accepted it, and, in compliance there-
l88 THE PHIUPPINB ISLANDS [VdLg
wiAy hit paid the troops of war and incurred odier
cxpeniei; and now he again aooepti it and agrees to
the terms contained in ihe said ac^ and obliges him-
self to i^ and to be bound by everything in it, and
promises and binds himself accordingly to keep and
comply with it in every way and in every manner,
and he wiU bind himself formally. Accordingly he
iigpied it, wimesses being Luis Bagado and Gero-
nimo Snares, and he signed it with his name.
ESTEVAN RKODRIOUBZ DB FHHJEIOA
Before me:
Caspar dbAcbbo
In compliance with his answer, he has formally
bound himself with his person and goods, all of
which is provided by the acts issued in this matter.
THE AUDIENCIA OF MANILA
RE-ESTABLISHED
To Don Francisco Thcllo, my governor and cap-
tain-general of the Philipinas Islands. Through
God's grace, the affairs of those islands are daily as-
suming greater proportions - both because of the
many exploring expeditions by which that island and
the others of that great archipelago are becoming set-
tled ; and because of the Chinese trade and commerce,
which likewise are a cause of increase in the conse-
quence of affairs there. Hence, in matters of jus-
tice, there should be such expedition as is desirable,
without its being necessary for the parties to go to the
City of Mexico, in order to carry on their cases-
thus spending and consuming their means in these
long voyages, or else running risk of losing their
rights. And also, if you are disengaged from mat-
ters pertaining to justice, you will have more time
for matters of government and war; or in important
and arduous cases you may find it advisable to have
those with whom to take counsel, that matters may
be considered with the requisite continuity and by
a sufficiently large body of advisers. For these rea-
sons, I have decided to reestablish an audiencia in
that city of Manila, as in former years. You shall
be president thereof, holding this office with the of-
190 THE PHILIPPINB I8IAND8 [VdLg
fioes of my governor and captain-gpnenl. My pur-
poie in tdvitingyoa llieitof it llitt, hiving ttken note
of it, you mty do all diat it requitite for the ettab-
lithiiient of die Audiencia and die receiving of my
foyal leaL Thit mutt follow the tame procedure
which would be dbterved in the reception of my
foyal perKm.^ Accordingly, at toon at you thall
hear of itt arrival, you thall go to receive die teal, ac-
companied by die auditory the fitcal, all the toldiert
in military array, die citizen encometiderot, my o£EU
dalt, and all o^rt in public potitiont. The taid
teal will be contained in a box borne under a canopy,
the tupportt of which thall be carried by the regidort
of the dty. The box wiU be borne by a horte, richly
caparitoned, and ha^g on die two tidet of iti hang-
ing!, vdiich mutt be of brocade or tilk, two thieldt
bearing my royal armt, die face [of die horte] being
covered widi dotht [a frontal] of the tame [ncia-
lerid]. You, widi your retinue, thall precede the
canopy, and the toldiert in military array, widi didr
captains^ under rule and command of the master-of-
camp as general, shall follow it. All of you shall go
straight to the cathedral with bared heads, where the
archbishop will be waiting, clad in his pontifical
vestments, together with all his clergy. He shall go
to the door, where you and all the people shall stop.
Then you shall take the box in both hands, and shall
approach the altar, near which in the principal
chapel there shall be a chair of state. There you
shall place the box, and the archbishop shall repeat
*^ See the detailed account of the ceremonies with which the
royal seal of the Audienda was received on its arrival at Manila,
as related by Morga in his Sucesos (Hakluyt Soc trans.), pp.
I593-I597] AUDIENCIA REESTABLISHED 191
his prayers, beseeching our Lord to direct the found-
ing of the said Audiencia for His good service, and
the pure administration of justice. After the cere-
mony, the archbishop and his assistants, and the
clergy, shall remain there, while you Shall take the
box again and place it on the horse, which must al-
ways be led by the chief constable of the Audiencia,
in person and on foot, and with head bared. You
shall then proceed with the same assemblage to my
royal houses, where you shall deposit the said seal in
a suitable place. Then you shall enter upon the pro-
ceedings for installing the Audiencia, and together
with the auditors and fiscal you shall establish it.
This day shall be occupied solely with examining
the ordinances of audiencias, with taking the oath
from the said auditors, fiscal, and assistants, and with
an address from you, in which, in my name, you shall
charge them to exercise their offices faithfully, and
to maintain peace and harmony among themselves;
and you shall enjoin the inferiors to observe respect,
secrecy, and diligence. Thenceforth you shall pro-
ceed according to the usual form of the other audi-
encias of these kingdoms and of the Yndias. Given
at El Pardo, November twenty-sixth, one thousand
five hundred and ninety-five."
I THE King
By order of the king:
Juan Ybarra
''The archbishop of Manila, in a letter to the king dated
August 15, 1624, makes the following interesting observation
on the state of affairs in Manila after the suppression of the
Audiencia: "The principal motive that influenced Philippo Sec-
ond, our sovereign, to reestablish, in the time of the governorship
of Don Francisco Tello, the royal Audiencia in these islands,
which had been suppressed some years before, was that, in districts
192 THE PHIUPPINE ISLANDS [VC1L9
Signed by the president and mraibers of the
Council.
[/n the margin at the beginning of this document:
"To Don Francisco Tello, governor of the Phili-
pinas Islands, in regard to the establishment of the
Audiencia, and th« receiving of the royal seal.**]
so remote and distant from his royal presence, the governors might
not be so absolute, but that there might be a superior arm to
check them, and not allow extortions upon an innocent people."
LETTER FROM LUIS PEREZ DASMARI-
NAS TO FELIPE II
Sire:
By the ships which sailed for Nueva Espafia in
July of this year 95, I wrote at length to your Maj-
esty, giving account of some things which, in my
poor judgment and opinion, would be to the glory
and service of God and of your Majesty; and very
necessary, important, and fitting for the common
good, preservation, and increase of these towns.
Therefore I felt myself urged and obliged to break
silence ; and I would not now refrain from referring
to those matters, if I did not fear and doubt that this
present letter would not reach the royal hands by this
way, and did I not believe that several of those I
have written by another way, namely by Nueva Es-
pafla, have arrived there.
The present occasion for writing to your Majesty
is to inform you of the arrival of the religious and
ministers whom your Majesty was pleased to send
here. This was of great moment and importance,
because of our great need of them. I am writing
also to say that the fathers of the Society of Jesus have
taken under their charge the island of Leyte, one of
the Pintados, which has hitherto had no instruction.
Although but four fathers went there, so great good
194 ^THB PmUPPINB ISLANDS CVdL9
has feralted from dieir Itbois, widiin tiz nKmdis or
•o, ditt two dtyi tgo die f tdier vice^provincial told
me ditt he had received t l^ter itying ditt die
fithert now preach to the Indians in dieir own kn-
giiage. The good retolti and benefits are so great
diat diere are now more dian five dioosand foor hon-^
dred catechomens-who, widioot being at all com-
pelled to do so^ have themselves destroyed and cast
down dieir false idols. This gives no litde encour-
agement and occasion to praise God; and shows how
important^ necessary, and beneficial is the presence
here of good ministers.
Moreover, die fadiers of die Order of St Domi-
nic have tafasn charge of die province, of Cagayan,
vidiere diere has been no lack of disturbances among
die natives, widi no litde tumult and danger to die
fadiers and to us alsa The arrival of the fadiers
there has been of much importance and benefit in
diat pro^oe, bodi temporally and spiritually; and
has helped in the pacification of die Indians. Please
God their mission may prosper and extend as far as
possible.
By a ship which came from Japon in the month of
November of this year, I received a letter from father
Fray Pedro Bautista and Fray Juan dc Jhesus,
wherein they advise me of the good condition in
which God is pleased to maintain the things pertain-
ing to His glory and service, and to the good of His
creatures and of this state. Affairs are quiet there,
as little has taken place, and their hopes are such as
are more particularly referred to in the account of
father Fray Juan dc Jhesus, a copy of whose letter ac-
companies this.
Likewise I have to write concerning your Maj-
I593-I597] DASMARtfJAS TO FELIPE II 195
esty's reply about the agreement made by my father
with Captain Esteban Rodriguez in regard to the
pacification of the island of Mindanao. When we
were discussing this matter it was suggested to con-
sider Captain Esteban Rodriguez in an undertaking
in a light which seemed very clear and plain. He,
however, thought that he should not be subordinate
to this government, but free and exempt from obe-
dience thereto. Over this point conferences and dis-
cussions were held with grave and learned persons,
and it was decided that the said captain should go
on said expedition as a subordinate and in no other
way, for many causes and reasons offered, agreed
upon, and established as very important and of uni-
versal application; and that he ought to consider the
great difficulties which might arise should he go
without being subordinate to this government, as
well as'the universal and public danger and loss that
might ensue to this state, and especially to some of
its inhabitants; and, further, the injury to the service
of God and of your Majesty. Of all of this your
Majesty will be informed at greater length, and will
understand it by the papers and writs concerning
this case. Therefore I shall make no further refer-
ence to it, leaving the report thereof to be sent by a
more safe and certain way than this. In regard to
the rest of the case however I say. Sire, that although
Captain Esteban Rodriguez possesses the qualities of
discretion, valor, ability, competence, and much ex-
perience in this work, and is courageous and of hon-
orable estate, yet he is in my opinion very stiff, un-
changeable, independent, and fixed in his determina-
tion and opinion. Thus he did not wish to discuss
or to say anything whatever in regard to this question
1^6 THE PmUPPINB mLANDB [VfLg
of fubordiiiitiofL ThereapoOi it it was aot judfed
oonireiiieiit to pennit him to nitke the joamejr inde*
poidendy, the plins were abaadoaed^ and eveiyduag
wat left until yoor Majesty dimild be adviied diere*
of. At diat tioM^ boweYefi news canie lor the second
time diat some hostile bands from Tenenate and
Mindanao, in some veiy light vessds propelled by
oaiSi called caracoas, had landed on die coast of
QebiL They committed many depredationSy sndbi as
mnrdefs, die taking of captives, and robberies, among
die Indians. Aidioo^ Rodrignes Ronqoillo, al*
calde-mayor of Cibn, sent some soldiers to lUtack
them, who, after finding one of dieir vessels, seised
it^ and killed or captnred iti crew, diis victoiy only
bfOQ^t a diidker doud of eMmies, dangers, and mis^
fortunes. Aldioug^ a captain of infantry wm de-
spatched immediately with a contingrat of troops so
pnrsoe and look for diem, yet,* for the security, aid,
and defense of diat coast, it was finally judged and
considered best, and a more wise, important, and fi^
ting relief, for Captain Esteban Rodriguez to make
his expedition. Thereby those dangers, or the ma-
jority of them, would be checked and relieved, as
well as others which would grow or increase by in-
attention. Thus matters were arranged with him in
the form that your Majesty will see by the copy ac-
companying this letter. As he will have plenty to do
on this expedition, your Majesty, having been ad-
vised in the meantime, will be able to order and de-
clare the best method to be pursued in this matter.
To Captain Esteban Rodriguez have been given
troops, artillery, ammunition, and other supplies on
his account; and he will depart on his expedition
within three months, more or less, God willing. Be-
I593-I597] DASMARISAS TO FELIPE II 197
sides this, report is due to your Majesty of the de-
spatch of letters and certain articles for the king of
Canboja by means of Diego Veloso. The former
sent this man on an embassy to my father when the
latter was on his way in the expedition to Maluco.
When about to enter the harbor of Canboja, he [Ve-
loso] met the army and part of the fleet of the king
of Sian who had begun hostilities against the king
of Canboja. The king of Sian inflicted great dam-
age upon the people and country of the king of Can-
boja, causing him to withdraw to the mountains, as
has been reported. Thus Diego Veloso, and the
others with him, had been captured and carried
away. But afterward God was minded to move the
said king of Sian to free him, and to send him with
a ship and two elephants (male and female), and a
large tusk of another elephant, which were brought
to me. The king wrote me through a father of the
Order of St. Francis,** who was a captive there in
** The letter here mentioned is found in a group of papers in
the Sevilla archives (see Bibliographical Data for " Instructions
to Figueroa"), and is (in somewhat condensed form) as follows:
" Since writing the letter of embassy, the king has ordered me to
write another for your Lordship, as the former was not necessary
on account of the embassy which Diego Beloso was conducting for
the king of Canvoxa, whose kingdom the king of Sian has taken.
Accordingly he would have your Lordship send the first embassy,
or allow commerce, since the road is open to all vessek and per-
sons who desire to go thither from Sian, for he will do the same
for that trade as for Malaca. He desires from your Lordship a
horse and mare for breeding, and will take it as a mark of esteem
from you. He orders Captain Diego Beloso to command this
junk, and the latter will negotiate with your Lordship. He carries
a number of presents for your Lordship. I recommend Captain
Diego Beloso to you, although I know it to be unnecessary after
what he has done in Canvoja. He is carrjring to your Lordship
two elephants, male and female, at his own suggestion, together
with a beautiful piece of ivory. Done on October 8, 1594.
FkAY Grboorio da Cruz."
I^ Tm PmUPPINB ISLANDS [VdLg
Ctnbojt witfi othen, t letteri t copy of which ae-
comptnics the preieat^ and to which I will not lef eti
In order not to mtke this letter long^n Oocisionwat
offered by this for the same ambassadori disspatdied
now by tibe king of Sian, and formerly by the king
of Canbojai' again tb negotiate and ask for hdp from
me for the king of Canboja, for he had heard tfiat
tfie king of Sian had repeated the past injuries; and
■m I did not aoqoiescei he gave me many causes and
reasons which I shall not mention here, bat Ood
willing^ will Mate in a letter by way of Noeva Ek-
palUL As tibe affair seemed urgoit to me and very
Important^ serioosi and of wei^ty CMsideration and
promise, add one fitting to brii^ aboot great diingp
In die noble service of the divine majesty of Ood onr
Lord, and of yoor Majesty, I discimed diis mMer,
snd considered whetiber it would not be a better phm
10 make an eq>edition to Chanpa,** as this is a very
important passage and, post It is occupied by a cruel
and pernicious tyrant who ccHnmits and causes iniqui-
ties, cruelties, and unheard-of treacheries. In the
opinion of certain persons who have been there, the
capture of this place would be very easy, with two
hundred Spaniards and five hundred Indians; or at
the most, success is assured with three hundred Span-
iards. Both on account of the facility and impor-
tance of this expedition, and the tyrannical deeds,
treacheries, and iniquities of that king, investiga-
tions have been made, and the matter submitted to
the prelates and other clerical persons, in order that
*^ Champa (Chanpa) was the Malay name of Cambodia (Cam-
boja) ; it was, however, first applied to a Malay settlement on the
eastern coast of the Gulf of Siam. Later, the province of Champa
was a part of the kingdom of Anam, and is now part of French
Cochin-China.
I593-I597] DASMARIRAS TO FELIPE II 199
they might consider whether it were just. Although
there were some reservations and conditions, they
decided that the expedition was just. This was sub-
mitted to a council of war, together with the question
of aid to the king of Canboja, in order to determine
which matter it would be better to undertake. How-
ever it was resolved definitely in favor of the expedi-
tion to Chanpa for certain reasons and considerations.
But at the same time it was also resolved to send
someone to Canboja to ascertain the king's condition,
and what were his determination, wish, and inten-
tion in respect to the help requested by him, and in
his name by Diego Veloso. Now we must deter-
mine and decide what will be best for the service of
God and of your Majesty. God willing. Captain
Juan Juarez Gallinato, a man of talents, discretion,
and experience, and well fitted for this occasion and
the contingencies that may arise (which are of no lit-
tle consideration, importance, and weight) , will take
charge of this expedition. He will have two ships
and some troops, and is under orders to proceed ac-
cording to the weather, opportunity, and disposition
and state of affairs which are in his opinion most
fitting. He is to discuss certain matters with the
Siamese king, and to procure the release of the re-
ligious and other persons whom the latter holds cap-
tive. Especially he is to establish friendship with
the king of Canboja, who, as it seems, is desirous
thereof, inasmuch as he has asked for it so repeatedly
and with so great earnestness. Thus for this and
many other reasons, in the opinion of those who re-
gard and view matters with some consideration, this
expedition is a work prompted and incited by the
Holy Spirit. May God grant that matters may be
aOO THE PHIUPPINB ISLANDS [VdL9
difccied in the best wty for Hit service. The spirit-
ed tod temponl benefiti to be derived from it^ to
the glory of God and the good and conversion of
His crettnreSi will not be few, if His Divine Majesty
will grant a beginning of His li^t and knowledge
m diis great kingdom^ which is surrounded by so
many others so great, rich, and powerful -vi^re,
with but little difficulty, God willing, His Divine
Majesty can be so exalted, recognized, and magni-
fiedf and your Majesty served Thus comidering
the greatness, natural advantages and opportunities
whidi God has given to affairs here, togedier widi
odier diingp, I am prompted to write to your Majesty
of the great importance of diis garrison and post
I do not say this in undue enggeratimi but widi sin*
cere love and desire that your Majesty nciay esteem,
leoognixe, and know it for such^ and provide and
appoint fdr it a pctmm of die requisite valor, Chris-
tianity, sufficiency, and talents, demanded by die
greatness and importance of affairs here at diis time,
and which each day may be presented in their full
import. God has provided diese things here, and
perhaps some of them are reserved for the happy
days and times of your Majesty, so that even in this
life you may enjoy the reward of the height to which
your Majesty has procured and advanced His glory,
honor, and service, and in the life hereafter the
greater rewards and crown. In resuming discussion
of the expedition to Canboja, I will say that I find
mjrself ill-prepared for it; for I should like, con-
sidering the great import it may have, more resources
and force for it than I have at present. For, if God
should be pleased to grant the success hoped for at
this time in regard to this kingdom, the effort would
I593-I597] DASMARINAS TO FELIPE II 20I
be lost, as affairs would take shape and increase in
extent; and because a sufficient number of troops
could not remain from the first in the kingdom and
land of Canboja, who could, in any event, sustain
themselves in that post, until your Majesty should
be pleased to reenforce them and assure its safety.
But I desire this most earnestly for I foresee and de-
sire the great blessings and benefits, and the spiritual
and temporal advancements, which may be increased
and hoped for. Likewise, because the voyage thither
is but short, we can send help and reenforcements
twice a year, and maintain there a moderate force
and garrison. Moreover, if this friendship with the
king is brought about, many greater and more im-
portant undertakings will follow, which can be at-
tempted, attained, and expected to follow, with the
aid of His Divine Majesty. Therefore I have had the
boldness and audacity to be so prolix, and to beg your
Majesty to have the goodness to provide that if per-
chance this effort is not successful now, this peace,
friendship, and understanding with this king may be
attempted and brought about in the future; and if
they be just and possible, some of the expeditions to
Sian or Chanpa may likewise be eflfected. For the
evils, cruelties, and tyrannies of these two kings are
great, and war might be justifiable. With a mod-
erate amount of power and force, either of these ex«
peditions could be effected, for I have already stated
what is said in regard to that of Chanpa. I have
received this information and that concerning Sian
from the bishop of Malaca, who is surely of holy
zeal, and desirous of the glory of God and the service
of your Majesty, as I have recognized and been con-
vinced of by his letters which prove this. In a set
«n Tm PHIUPPINB I8IAND8 CVdL9
of duurtt which he tent me imtik .Sitn^ he styt that
tiMt eq>editioQ ctn be mtde with a dumsand mm;
omI Aere are even people who say that it could be
dooe widi a ten number. It it true that to hear of
Ae great number of troops diat this king and odben
plaoe in the field causes hesitatiooi and makes one
omsider and believe nonsensicali inconsiderate, and
radi the pretense that so great niatters nciay be effected
omI atlsmpted widi so small a force; yet we should
oonsider that diis is God's cause, and should take into
aooount the inqportance of gaining and establishing
friendship with the king of Canboja, who can aid
us so powerfuUyi because of his hostili^ to Sian on
aooount of the war made against him for years, and
of his reosnt injury and damage. This, tiogether
widi odier circumstances, such as the inhabitants*
fisdileness of heart, courage, and weapons; their awk*
wardness and lack of skill in handling die most im-
portant and injurious weapons; dieir barbarism and
discord; die lax discipUne observed and kept among
them and the hatred and dislike toward these bar-
barous tyrants felt by many of their own subjects and
neighbors, to whom their deeds are most prejudicial
and damaging - all these considerations make the at-
tempt much less difficult than it seems. These are
the marvel and greatnesses of God, and surely they
cause wonder and fear, and move the hearts and de-
sires of those who behold and consider them, on see-
ing that His Divine Majesty should have placed in so
many kingdoms, so great, populous, and wealthy, and
so densely inhabited by so infinite multitudes of peo-
ple, so great weakness, and the power, through an-
other kingdom, to effect an entrance into some of
them. This incites and makes us desire their con-
I593-I597] DASMARINAS TO FELIPE II 203
version to the knowledge of God, and we desire all
that said power, means, and gateway which His
Divine Majesty has left and placed for this attain-
ment in these districts and region, choosing and se-
lecting your Majesty as the instrument for blessings
and grandeurs, such as, with His grace, can be at-
tained, and appointing this port and garrison as the
gateway, staircase, and entrance for it. Therefore
these and other considerations give occasion for rec-
ommending earnestly and signifying to your Maj-
esty the importance thereof, in order that your Maj-
esty may send such a person as this matter requires
and demands, who shall attempt zealously and strive
to see the name of God our Lord, and His glory and
honor, much amplified and increased, and your Maj-
esty well served, since there is so great opportunity
and occasion therefor. Were your Majesty eager
and desirous of furthering your own particular ad-
vantage and interests, you would have also plenty of
opportunity for it, as this place is exceedingly well
fitted therefor. I beseech your Majesty to pardon
my prolixity and daring, to which I am forced by
the great importance of these matters, and by the ob-
ligation, love, and desire that I owe the service of
God and of your Majesty; and by my having so few
opportunities to write, and those so far apart.
In regard to'Chinese affairs, I wrote your Majesty
this year, that I was thinking of sending my cousin,
Don Ffernando de Castro, with the father prior of
the convent of San Domingo, with some presents 'and
letters to the king. This I thought fitting because of
the condition in which the father prior (or, to say
better, God) had left matters there; and under cover
of this cause and pretext, I hoped they might try, at
M4 tHB PHIUPPINB BIANDS CViL9
iftit tuney to aee die king, if such a thing were pot-
lililei tnd to offer to him certain presents tDg^:dier
widi die letter. This wis written with much tffec-
ik9fi| respect^ cansiderttioni tnd vigor, and in it I
bore in mind, as far as possible, yoor MajeMjr's IhAj
leal, aim, and desire for die conversion of this great
kingdom. In die last part of it I referred to past
«venis, so diat in torn bodi matters might be dis-
massed. The attempt was made acoordin^y. I
pttrchased and collected scmie arddes- namely, two
swords well and corioosly wrought and beaudfully
adorned in gold and silver; some arddes of gold and
predoos sttmes; and some plate, altfaong^ but a litde.
These, togedier widi other things diat we coold find,
approximated about eight diousand pesos or so, ac-
cording to die value and appraisal made of diem.
Jil of this stim, together widi die amount necessary
lor die voyage, I succeeded in dbtaining widurat tak*
kig anydiing whatever from die royal treasury; for
there was nodiing diere for it I wu confident diat
your Majesty would consider this to be for your
service, and would order this sum paid, especially
as it seemed fitting and of great possible importance.
Although for such a matter and for one who owes so
much as myself to the service of God and your Maj-
esty, it seems small and of a mean, vile, and selfish
mind, to discuss payment, yet His Divine Majesty
knows that my present great need, obligations, and
debts force me to say this, for I am obliged to pay
out more than thirty-eight thousand pesos. And
God knows that all I have and can call mine outside
of the present sum, that which I shall have ready at
the end of this year toward the day when God and
your Majesty will be no longer served by me, and
I593-I597] DASMARINAS TO FELIPE II 205
the little coming to me from the sale of my father's
estate ~ a very small sum indeed - all the rest, I say,
without omitting anything of money value, will
amount, in my opinion, to something like five thou-
sand pesos, and even that sum may not be reached.
For, although, as I wrote and told your Majesty in
former letters, it seemed - and when I wrote I be-
lieved - that I should have something to leave instead
of so much to pay, yet matters have happened and
fallen out in this way, and thus I find myself in my
present condition. I am not grieving much over any
need that may come to me, for by the mercy and
goodness of God, if I had paid my debts and had
nothing, I should be very rich in the pleasure of this
knowledge. However, I am not without obligations
to have some property, and I have very little and owe
much that must be paid ; and besides I have to give ac-
count both for myself and my father. My present
declaration is not artifice, subterfuge, or a change of
purpose from what I have previously expressed to your
Majesty, as to my king and sovereign, but the truth
and my earnest desire to see myself free from this bur-
den and obligation of debt; and is intended that your
Majesty might know that this least of your servants
has these obligations and so little to pay them, in a
country so distant and remote from his own. But
leaving this in the hands of God and your Majesty,
I say. Sire, that Don Ffernando set sail with the
father prior upon the voyage ; but, as it was late in the
season, and the ship was Chinese, they put into port
again, and thus I do not know if the voyage can be
made and the reply received in time to advise your
Majesty thereof by the ships which leave here in
June, if perchance it can be made at all. Because I
TKB PHIUPnNE ISLANDS
CV0L9
am so forced by necessity, I beseedi your Majesty to
please order the pajrment of die expenses of the voy-
age and the cost oi the presoiti. The latter should
not be charged to diis treuury, which I fear could
not meet the payment, dius forcing me to pay it, God
knows with what or how. As a servant desirous that
God be known and served in so great a kingdom as
China, I venture to say that, if your Majesty would
send this king some curiosities, that act might, ac-
cording to the posture and condition in which God
has now placed matters, be of great importance, bene-
fit, and profit for the service of His Divine Majesty,
the merit of your Majesty, and the good of so many
souls as are lost and condonned there. I bear well in
mind past events, Sire, from which it appears tiiat
there is neither merit nor room for this favor and
present; but^ King and Sire, the blood of Christ and
the conversion of so many souls is of most impor-
tance. Much harm might also be suffered by tiiis
new state without traffic with this nation, this being
its nerve and support. Even though it should be
desired to treat of past events, and it should be
considered best for the service of your Maj-
esty to deal severely with this king, it would
not be a bad idea to offer friendship at the
same time. With this excuse, a present might be well
received and be of considerable use. If, perchance,
God should move your Majesty to this, I may say
that, in my opinion, the presents which in years gone
by your Majesty was pleased to have taken to this
king, were and would be very appropriate and suf-
ficient. Although it is true that he is a great, rich,
and powerful monarch, the curiosity, novelty, and
different fashion of the things that we use are greatly
1 593-1 597] DASMARINAS TO FELIPE II ZKfJ
admired by those people. The velvets, however,
have lost the value they had formerly, for many of
them are manufactured in China. A good Flemish
tapestry wrought with stories and figures, would be,
I think, of particular novelty for them. Besides it
would also be advantageous with the king's relatives,
who also have influence in this kingdom. There
should also be good and excellent paintings, and two
suits of splendid armor. In this, Sire, I well see that I
am bold and venturesome ; but my intention is not evil,
and the great importance of the aforesaid, and your
Majesty's holy zeal, urge me thereto, as also the be;
lief that it not contrary to the service of God and to
your Majesty. May His Divine Majesty preserve
your Majesty for as many long and happy years of
life as possible, and as we your Majesty's vassals need.
Manila, the sixth of December, 1595.
Luis Perez Dasmari^Tas
DOCUMENTS OF 1596
Coat-of-arms of the city of Manila. Felipe II;
March 20.
Decree regarding the bishopric of Nueva Segovia.
Felipe II; May 15.
Instructions for Governor Tello. Felipe II ; May 25.
Letter to Felipe II. L. P. Dasmariffas; June 30.
Letter to Felipe II. Antonio de Morga; July 6.
Letter to Felipe II. Francisco Tello; July 17.
Sources: The two royal decrees are taken from Doc. inid.
Amir, y Oceania, xxxiv, pp. 95-98, 101-103; all the others are ob-
tained from original MSS. in the Archivo general de Indias,
Sevilla.
Translations: The first two documents are translated bjr
Frederic W. Morrison, of Harvard University; the third and sixth,
by James A. Robertson; the fourth and fifth, by Josi M. and
Clara M. Asensio.
COAT-OF-ARMS OF THE CITY OF MANILA
Don Philipe, by the grace of God, etc.
Inasmuch as you, Captain Agustin de Arce, in
the capacity of procurador-general of the Filipinas
Islands, have informed me that the inhabitants of the
city of Manila did render me service in its discovery,
and remain there continuing this work; and inas-
much as you have entreated me - in consideration of
the said facts, and because the said city of Manila
is the capital and principal city of the said islands,
and it was therefore commanded that an audiencia be
again established there, and its cathedral church
elevated into a metropolitan church, by which the
city will be ennobled - that I should order a coat-of-
arms to be bestowed upon the city, such as is possessed
by other cities of the Indias ; and considering that my
council on the affairs of the Indias, after consultation
with me, has favored the above request; it has seemed
to me fitting to grant it. By these presents I assign,
as the special coat-of-arms of the said city of Manila
in the Filipinas Islands, a shield which shall have in
the center of its upper part a golden castle on a red
field, closed by a blue door and windows, and which
shall be surmounted by a crown; and in the lower
half on a blue field a half lion and half dolphin of
silver, armed and langued gules - that is to say, with
aia THE PHIUPPINB ISLANDS L
red nails and timgue. The said lion shall hold in his
paw a sword with guard and hilt Hiis coat-of-arms
diall be made similar to iht accompanying shield,
painted as is indicated above.
I bestow these arms upon die said dtf of Manila,
tt its own, and as its appointed and recognized de-
yioe, so that it may and shall bear and place diem
upon its banners, shields, seals, flags, and standards,
and in all other parts and places desired and consid-
ered fitting, according to, and foUowifig die same
form and manner as die odier cities of my kingdoms
to which I have given arms and device place and
possess diem. And by diis my decree, I charge the
mo&t serene prince, Don Philipo, my very dear and
vrell beloved smi, and die kings succeeding to me, and
I order die infants, prelates, dukes, marqiieses,
counts, and grandees; diue masters, priors, command-
ers and sub-commanders of die orders; die govenon
irf casdes, forts, and open districts; dhe membm of
my council, and die president and auditors of the^
same royal audiencias; the alcaldes, constables of my
bouse, court, and chanceries; all the councils, corre-
gidors, asistentcs, governors, veinte e cuatros^^^ rcgi-
dors, and jurors; and the knights, squires, officials,
and freemen of all the cities, towns, and villages of
these my kingdoms and seigniories, and of my said
Indias, islands, and Tierra Firmc of the Ocean Sea -
both in the present and future, and each and every
one of them in his jurisdiction, who shall be notified
of this - that they observe and regard, and cause to
be observed and regarded the said grant of the said
arms which I thus bestow upon the said city of
" Veinte e cuatros^ literally " twcnty-foura," aldermen or rcgi-
dors in the town councils of certain towns in Andalusia.
Coat-of-arms of the city of Manila
(two representations)
[From MSS. (dated 1683 and 1748) in Archivo general de
Indias, Sevilla]
1593-1597] COAT-OF-ARMS OF MANILA 215
Manila in the Filipinas Islands, so that they be al-
lowed to place and possess them in the said city.
And I order that no obstruction or impediment be
offered to this concession or to any part of it, and that
no one shall consent to place any obstruction what-
ever thereto, under penalty of my displeasure, and of
a fine of ten thousand maravedis, to be paid to my
exchequer, laid upon any person who shall act con-
trary to this order. Given in Aranxuez, on the
twentieth day of March, one thousand five hundred
and ninety-six.
I THE King
DECREE REGARDING THE BISHOPRIC
OF NUEVA SEGOVIA
To the reverend father in Christ, the Bishop of
Nueva Segovia in the province of Cagayan, in the
island of Luzon, and member of my council: loas-
much as his Holiness at my supplication did see fit
to elevate the cathedral church of Manila in» t
metropolitan see, and to appoint three other bishops,
one of them in that city, the purpose thereof having
been that there should be prelates v^ho might care for
the instruction and teaching of the Indians, the ad-
ministering of the sacraments, the exercise of epiico-
pal acts, and the visitation of their districts, all which
a single prelate could not easily do ; I have seen fit to
inform you that, for the present, so long as affairs are
undeveloped, and until a better arrangement is made,
no cathedral church shall be erected in that city, nor
dignities or prebends provided for. You arc to dwell
privately in the monastery of your order in that said
city, and remain there as prelate for such time as may
please you. That bishopric shall be suffragan to the
archbishop of Manila, and you shall have the latter
as your metropolitan bishop and shall repair to that
city for the synods and other matters arranged by the
canons and councils. It is my will that you shall have
what is necessary for your sustenance and the main-
I593-I597] BISHOPRIC OF NUEVA SEGOVIA 217
tenance of your episcopal dignities. The tithes in
your district are at present to be gathered into one
amount, and you are to have all that pertains to the
prelates and to the prebendaries, dignitaries, and
canons. In case this is not sufficient, you will repair
to the officials of my royal exchequer in those islands,
whom I command, upon establishment by evidence
that all the aforesaid does not reach five hundred
thousand maravedis yearly, that they shall grant and
pay you such deficit from my royal exchequer. And
with the said testimony, and with a copy of this my
decree and your receipt, I order that what is thus
granted and paid you be received and audited. Done
in Ateca, the fifteenth of May, in the year one thou-
sand five hundred and ninety-six.
I THE King "
*' A decree of like import, and couched in exactlj the same lan-
guage, was issued at the same place and on the same date in re
the bishopric of Nueva-Clcercs. This decree is published in
Doc. Ined. Amir, y Oceania^ xxxiv, pp. 99-101.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR GOVERNOR TELLO
Wluit jOQ^ Doo Francttoo Tello, knight of the or^
der of .SantitgOi whom I have appointed at my gov*
emor and captain-gieneral of die Philipinat Idandii
and president of my royal Aadienda, which I have
ordered to be retttaMithed dierei are to do in die
aetvioe of God, and my own, and for die good govern*
ment of those itiandSi is as follows:
Infinite praises mutt be given to our Lord, and I
•ooordin^y offer them to Him, for the great blessing
tfiat He has been pleased to grant me, inasmuch as,
during the time that I by His mercy and will am
kingy He has chosen me as the instrument for the
discovery of islands so remote and unknown ; and be-
cause, after those peoples have lived for so many
years in the blindness of their heathendom, the gos*
pel has recently been published in them, the Catho-
lic faith planted therein and received, and so many
native Indians converted, who enjoy the teaching of
the gospel. And thanks are due to God also for the
natural expectation and hope that may and ought
to exist that, by the same mercy of God, He must be
pleased that the preaching of His gospel should be
spread farther, and that all the other islands, of that
vast archipelago, which extends through more than
I593-I597] INSTRUCTIONS FOR TELLO 219
nine hundred leguas of latitude, and more than five
hundred of longitude - exclusive of the great sur-
rounding kingdoms of the mainland, round about
those islands, namely China, Cochina, Cochinchina,
Chanpa, Canboja, Sian, Patan, Joor, and others-
by receiving Him and the faith, may come into the
true knowledge of the faith.
Therefore, notwithstanding that all my will and
desire is that, by the aid of the good spiritual and
temporal government in what is explored of the said
islands, and the care that must be had in the reduc-
tion of the rest, the end be attained to which the
grace that God has shown me and is now showing
me, constrains me so straitly; still, until He, in His
infinite providence, shall dispose it, the most advis-
able thing is to watch carefully over the sure preser-
vation and increase of what has been reduced and
pacified at so great expense. I charge you that you
strive for this end, considering the condition in which
you find affairs and the great importance and advis-
ability of bringing them to perfection and placing
foundations so firm and secure that not only will there
be naught to fear from the many enemies surround-
ing that part explored, but that it shall be preserved
and increased.
Since there is nothing which will have so much
influence over all affairs as the care that you are to
exercise, I charge you with rigor that those new
plants be instructed in the teachings of the gospel and
of Christianity by the ecclesiastics whom I have sent,
and am sending, for that purpose, with so great
trouble and expense ; and in civil and moral matters,
by the temporal ministers, protecting them so that
they may receive good treatment, and maintaining
220 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [VolJp
thenri in peace and justice, so that their labors may be
satisfied. Therefore a most important means will be
the care that you and the prelates are to observe in
having divine worship celebrated with the greatett
devotion and solemnity possible, at least on Easter and
the holy days that the church is accustomed to sol-
emnize and observe. You shall have especial care
that the places of worship are kept in order and well
served, and all this with due propriety, especially the
cathedral church, inasmuch as it is the principal and
archiepiscopal church, whose example must induce
the same results in the other churches. Inasmuch at
I was informed that things were quite to the coa-
trary; and that the said church, besides being poorly
roofed with wood and straw, was not properly served;
and that it needed and lacked what it should havc-
a thing to which the former governors should not
have consented - I charged your predecessor, Gomes
Perez Dasmarinas, strictly that, immediately up(m
his arrival M the islands, he should have the said
church rebuilt. I assigned for this work the sum of
twelve thousand ducados in three parts : one from my
royal exchequer, another from the encomenderos, and
the third from the Indians. These said twelve thou-
sand ducados were to be spent on the said building
within four years, at the rate of three thousand duca-
dos annually. In order that it might be done more
easily, I gave an anticipatory order for two thousand
ducados on the account of my third, on the treasury
of Nueva Espafta, whence the said Gomez Perez took
them. Notwithstanding that he wrote to me in his
last letters that the work was nearing completion,
and although I think it ought to be finished now, yet,
because it is in the gaze of so many enemies, idolaters,
I593-I597] INSTRUCTIONS FOR TELLO 221
and Mahometans, it is advisable that they should
see, not only that there is no lack in this matter, but
also that the church shall be an example of the
solemnity of the divine ecclesiastical ceremonies, that
should arouse and persuade them to enter the fold of
the church. As soon as you shall have arrived at that
country, you shall inspect the said church, and find
out whether the building is finished. If there is any-
thing wanting, you shall finish it. Likewise you shall
see that it is provided with ornaments, chalices,
crosses, and other things pertaining to its service, so
that it may be fully provided with the articles for
the celebration of divine worship, with the authority,
pomp, and propriety suitable to the edification of the
faithful, and the conversion of those who are uncon-
verted. For this you shall make use of an additional
two thousand ducados, which I ordered assigned by
thirds after the completion of what pertains to the
building, in accordance with the terms of the decree
which shall be given you in duplicate. Besides this,
you shall endeavor to furnish what is most necessary,
and what you think needful and advisable, by the
methods and means which appear most suitable, so
that in any event this matter shall be well attended
to. You shall keep me informed of the progress of
the matter; and you shall send me a minute and
specific report of the condition in which you find the
building and edifice of the church, its service of or-
naments, and everything needful for it, so that, by
knowing this thoroughly, I may learn how well it is
improved and placed in the condition which is fitting,
and which I so much desire, in your term of office.
And I charge you that you do all this with the knowl-
edge and advice of the archbishop, since this care
m$ mt PHmmNE islands CV«L9
mm oil tnoL In diit, and in tli die fcM^ yon thtll
■Mintiin good reUtiont widi die Utter.
The cttjr of Mtnilt hit two hoepitilii one for Span*
ktfdti and die odier for Indians. As I was informed
flkat both were in want^ and diat it was derirable to
pfMenre diemy I ordered die nid Oomes Peres to
t)f^y to die Spanish hospital, from die first repar-
linientos diat ihonid fall vacant in the said iilandsi
tmonf^ to famish an ammal income of one thousand
pesos; and to die Indian hmpitali five hundred dnca-
doSp taken from die increaie in die tribotei of die
sane Indians -*io diat bodi should enj<^ die said in^
eomcs as long as I should determine. Inasmudi as
diis is a work of so great charity, and to die service
of our Lord, I duurge you, immediately upon your
arrival at die nid dty, to inspect the hospitals. You
shall examine diere Aie care and attmdon given to
die sick; you shall endeavor to have die accounts kqit
with due care. You diall audit the accounts of Ae
possessions of eadi hospital, by virtue of and in ac*
cordance with the decree that was sent, of which a
duplicate will be given you. If the said Gomez
Perez did not endow them with the above named in-
comes, you shall do it as soon as possible. First, you
shall provide that all the necessary buildings be
erected, so that the sick may have a place wherein to
be sheltered and to avoid the inclemencies of the
weather. I have been informed that this is espe-
cially necessary. At times when other business gives
room for it, you shall attend to the inspection of the
hospitals, both yourself and the auditors of the Audi-
encia which is about to be reestablished. You shall
do this in turn, so that when those at the head of the
hospitals see the care that you take, they will fulfil
I593-I597] INSTRUCTIONS FOR TELLO 223
their duties without any lack or neglect, or any pos-
sibility of the like. And in order that it may be
known that no such lack or neglect occurs during your
term of office, you shall advise me immediately of
the condition in which you find the buildings of the
said hospitals ; the arrangements made in them in re-
spect to administration, hospitality, treatment, and
reception of the poor; and the new ordinances that
you shall enact.
As I was informed that those islands were in great
need of ministers of instruction, and that some Indians
were dying without baptism ; that, because of the same
need, other islands were not being conquered and con-
verted; and that to cause this condition to cease, it
would be advisable to send religious of the orders
established there - 1 designated and ordered one hun-
dred and fifty-four religious to go there last year, one
thousand five hundred and ninety-four, and they actu-
ally went. Although one hundred and ten others,
chosen from all the said orders are going this year,
nevertheless, in order that religious may be sent con-
tinually, until there is no lack of them, but a sufficient
force to attend to the ministry of the preaching of the
gospel, and the conversion of those heathen (which I
so much desire), and so that those recently converted
may be taught and instructed, I charge you to confer
over this matter with the archbishop and Audiencia.
You shall advise me of the number of religious, their
convents, and their orders, their manner of living,
and the number whom it would be advisable to send
now, the districts to which they should especially be
sent, and the orders to which they should belong. In
the meantime, you shall come to an understanding
with all the superiors, so that all the religious
224 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [VoL ^
tberc at present, and those who shall be sent in the
future^ shall be so distributed that adequate instruc-
tion may be given in all necessary districts, as doubt-
less can be done if all engage in the ministry for
which chiefly they are sent. They are likewise sent
for the conversion and instruction of the natives who
are pacified and have acknowledged my service and
obedience; and they shall not go elsewhere without
your permission and that of the said superiors.
Through the latter^ you shall ascertain the results ob-
tained in their respective districts, and their lack of
instruction, in order that, having this certain knowl-
edge^ you may be able to advise me more clearly and
precisely. And so that everything may be done
better and with greater quietness, I charge you to
maintain good relations with the superiors^ so that,
taking example from your harmony, those who are
subordinate may also be in accord among them-
selves, and produce the result that I desire.
One of the things that have given rise to uneasiness
among some of the religious, who have been divided
among different opinions, and that have caused great
doubts among the Spaniards, is the fact that the reli-
gious instruction of the newly-explored places was not
looked after as it should have been ; for in this regard
the plan to be followed among them was explained
specifically and explicitly, so that if it were observed,
there could be no ground for doubt in regard to the
justification of the beginning and continuing of the
exploration in accord with my intention, will, and
desire. Again I declare this to be that the said re-
ligious instruction must be looked after in every place
pacified during your term ; and that you shall not con-
sent that it be transgressed, in whole or in part, or that
1 593-1 597] INSTRUCTIONS FOR TELLO 225
any pacification be made by any other means or
method, so that in regard to this there may be the
peace and harmony among all which I desire. Put-
ting an end to all past scruples, those already con-
verted must receive good treatment; and those not
converted must be converted with the mildness with
which it is advisable that the gospel be preached and
received, and the Catholic faith believed and con-
fessed, from which the desired happiness and gain
will result.
Bishop Don Fray Domingo de Salazar complained
that the governors did not allow him to exercise his
jurisdiction. This, he said, was one of the things
that made him come here. And because it is not
proper that those going now should do this, or that in
the future the governors should meddle with eccle-
siastical matters, as such is contrary to my will and de-
sire, I charge you that you shall not meddle with the
jurisdiction of the prelates. On the contrary you
shall aid and protect them, so that they may occupy
themselves with the matters which, in accordance
with my ordinances and decrees, can and ought to
occupy their time and attention, provided this does
not oppose my royal jurisdiction. This latter it is
proper that you and they preserve and respect, as
well as what concerns the right of my patronage,
which you shall cause to be observed according to the
concession granted to the Castilian sovereigns by
apostolic authority, and declared in the instruction
which you will find there, which I am writing in like
terms to the said prelates. Once more I charge you
to maintain thoroughly good relations with the latter.
The bishop petitioned also that, in the appraise-
ment of the revenues that were to be given to the
2a6 THE PKILIPPINB ISLANDS [VoL*
cnrtitt of ladtan villmgeii it dioiild 1^
liie nid InditM weie not accmtmned to pty fees for
Iwrials, mtrriageii or odier ecckitittical muiittri-
iMMii; and duit it ihoiild be ordered diat tli the rdi-
gURiti in ciitrge at and entrusted widi instmctiony
siKHild not collect die said feeS| and diat diis extend
also to die secnlar ecdesiasdcs. Tnasmuch as he had
ordered the samCi under penalty of spiritual censorei
and as it seemed quite proper to mt^ I declared and
ordered diat diis custom be kept inviolate by both
the seculats anad regulats diroughout diat entire dis-
trict, as you will see by die decree diat was despatched
in accordance widi diis. Tou shall cause diis to be
disenred and fulfilled. You shall advise me specifi-
cally of die fulfilment of diis decree and its results.
It seems an inhuman diing^ and contrary to all
Chrisdan diarity, to have left die Indians of the La*
drcme Islands w^xmt instruction, since all who go
to the I^iUpinas make port in dieir lands; and since
after receiving help from tliem, and no reristance or
injuries, the governors and prelates have passed by
those people without furnishing them any instruction.
This is a great cause of grief, and a bad example. In
order that it may be rectified, since you and the arch-
bishop are going together, you shall examine the dis-
position of the land, and you shall leave there, from
the religious who are sailing now, those who seem
suitable for the conversion and instruction of those
natives. If it seems advisable, you shall also leave
with them some soldiers for their protection, and as
a defense from the dangers of those barbarians, in
accordance with the ordinance regarding new dis-
coveries. You shall advise me of what is done in this.
The bishop and some of the religious were of opin-
I593-I597] INSTRUCTIONS TOR TELLO 227
ion that tributes could not be collected from the
heathen Indians, and that the Indians could not be
compelled to pay them until they were Christians.
When the bishop came here, one of the matters, to-
gether with instruction, petitioned for by him was,
that it should be ordered that no tributes be levied on
the said heathen Indians. After conference and dis-
cussion regarding this in my Council of the Indias,
in presence of the said bishop and other religious, it
was resolved that tributes should be collected
throughout, without any exception^ from all the
Indians who were pacified, even though they were not
Christians; and that among those Indians who should
not have any instruction, the portion to be applied to
that purpose should upon collection be kept in a sep-
arate account for some hospitals as a means of benefit
for the said Indians, and so that they may also be fur-
nished instruction therefrom. A decree was sent in
accordance with this, and its duplicate will be given
you, so that after you shall have examined and under-
stood it you shall cause its contents to be observed to
the letter. And with that prudence which I expect
from you, you shall see that the religious orders and
the religious observe this matter. If, notwithstand-
ing, they think that the ordinance is inadvisable and
requires revision, they shall suspend revision until
they have informed me thereof. They should be as-
sured that my will in this, as in all other matters, is
that all things be carried on with the most complete
justification. You shall request this from them, and
charge them with it in my name, in order that no dis-
putes may arise among them for this cause or any
other. Inasmuch as they all have the same aim, it is
but just and necessary that they aid one another, for
228 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [Vol 9
by so doing will their end be more certainly attained.
Great annoyances and troubles have resulted from
the expressed opinions of the religious, which have
been uttered in the pulpit and spoken in public As
is notorious, this has been the cause of disturbing and
offending the town, and the Spaniards have become
confused with doubts; and some have died without
any hope, and without receiving from the religious
any consolation to satisfy their consciences* For the
religious demand nothing less from them than the
restoration of everything acquired in the discovery
and pacification " an impossibility for them. Then
too, the religious impose difficulties in the collection
of the tributes in the encomiendas, saying that some
of the encomiendas do not have the adequate instruc-
tion, and assigning other reasons for other encomien-
das. Thus the religious meddle in nearly every-
thing, Just as they did in opposing the pancada ""^ and
the assessment that was levied for the walls and for-
tifications of Mnniln. The hishnp took part in some
of these matters by declaring the governor excom-
municated. This has caused all to live, and they
still live, with no hope. Inasmuch as great mod-
eration and consideration must be shown in all ac-
tions, without allowing the people to live in so great
anxiety and embarrassment, you shall confer with the
secular and regular superiors, so that they may advise
their subordinates - the preachers and confessors -
not to offend the people with such propositions ; and
that whenever the latter think it advisable to make
any reform, they shall confer with the same superiors,
as these are men of learning, who by right should
discuss and procure the reform. They shall com-
** G)ntract for disposing of goods by wholesale.
1 593-1 597] INSTRUCTIONS FOR TELLO 229
municate this matter to you, in order that you may
enact whatever reform is advisable and possible.
You shall advise me of what is most suitable for re-
form, in order that the matter may be examined and
determined here. If any of the said preachers or
confessors shall not observe this order, or shall of-
fend people by any new proposition of doubts, or in
matters of government, you shall advise their supe-
rior thereof, in order that he may correct and reform
it. Should the latter not attend to this, then you shall
enact what you think advisable for the welfare and
tranquillity of the country. You shall discuss such
matters with the archbishop and Audiencia, in order
that success, as is so important, may be more surely
obtained. You shall advise me of whatever is done.
Gomez Perez was also ordered to enact and pro-
vide that the encomenderos pay tithes according to the
method, habit, and custom in Mexico ; for, inasmuch
as the church did not have any bishop, curate, or or-
ganized government before that time, the tithes were
not paid. Inasmuch as it is proper that this be de-
termined, executed, and observed according to the
precepts of the church, you shall order all the Span-
iards to pay tithes on their farm and stock products.
You shall proceed rather with care and prudence
than with rigor, and also with the knowledge and
opinion of the archbishop and Audiencia. As I
have been petitioned, in the name of the said city of
Manila, to order that the three per cent duty imposed
by Don Gonzalo Rronquillo be not paid in the city,
because the country is very poor and needy, and the
citizens have many other expenses for the city, I an-
swered that I should be very glad to relieve them of
it, but that, on account of the very heavy expenses that
ajO THB PHIUPPINB ISLANDS [VbLf
were requite far die preienratiofi af diote idandsi
I was farced to ortil myself af what could be reasoo**
ably detained dieref rom. Accordingly I diarged
die said Gomes Perez to order die coUecdon of dm
said diree per cent, and directed diat dm piooeeds
dieref rom be li^pt separate, for die purpose of fMqruig
die military forces. You shall exeicise iht same
oure, and shall attend to die matter widi the mildness
and efficient means that I expect from you. While
€a route dirough Nueva Spafia, you shall request die
viceroy to order thiU: the speedy and effidoit collec-
tion of the duties at Acapulco be attended to, and diat""
he send die proceeds from them to diose islands with
the least ponible delay - because of die need there of
whatever dudes are at Acapulco - in accordance with
die terms of die separate dMree that will be handed
you widi these instructionSi so that ymi i^iy giire it
to the viceroy, and take die requisite actmn in this.
I was peddoned, in behalf of die said dty, to have
some public property assigned to it, in order diat it
might attend to matters of peace, war, government,
and other things touching its preservation, defense,
and any suits that might be brought against it. I as-
signed the city for six years one-half of the fines and
penalties applied to my treasury, and the revenues
from the warehouses and shops wherein the Chinese
merchandise is traded. When Gomez Perez ar-
rived there, he wrote me that the fines adjudged to
the treasury had been assigned to the city; but that
the sum raised by this means amounted to very little,
and that there were no warehouses. He wrote,
however, that there were a number of Sangley shops
in the Parian, the rent from which was given to the
judge who governed the Sangleys. Now, inasmuch
I593-I597] INSTRUCTIONS FOR TELLO 23 1
as I purpose to bestow favor upon the said city, I
have continued the said fines from the treasury for
another ten years. In the matter of the shops, you
shall manage and try to procure by gentle means that
the Sangleys may voluntarily pay the salary of their
judge. If this be done, then you shall also assign
the rents from the shops as public property to the
said city. Failing in this, then, together with the
Audiencia, you shall investigate and determine what
other thing can be given in its pl^ace as said public
property, without encroaching on my treasury. You
shall try to arrange this as conveniently as possible,
and I shall consider myself well served in this matter.
I have been told that the said Sangleys formerly
lived in the city, but that Gomez Perez removed
them from it; and that recently they left the location
that he had assigned them, and returned to the city.
There they carry on trade in private houses. It does
not seem advisable to allow this, for, as I have been
told, not any of them are Christians, and therefore it
would be advisable to assign them another separate
settlement near the city. This matter requires careful
consideration, and immediately upon your arrival at
those islands, you, the archbishop, and the Audiencia
shall investigate and determine what site outside of
the city can be assigned them as a lodging with the
best security against the troubles that might result
from a race in whom, at present, we can place but
little confidence. You shall take into consideration
also their comfort, and shall assign them the site that
you think most suitable, with the ratification of the
city itself, and without any prejudice to anyone else.
On petition of the said city of Manila, I enacted
and ordered that no foreigners who come to the ports
23^ THE PHIUPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
of the said isUndi ~ Chinese^ Portuguese, Japonese,
^lanese, Bomeans, or any others -shalt pay duties,
especially cm food, ammunition, and materials for
making ammunition. Inasmuch as my will is that
llie laid collection be see aside, you shall not allow
ttiem to demand or levy the said duties on the said
articles, until such time as I order the contrary. In
order that all people may know that they may go
thither with the said articles, and that they may enjoy
the said exemption, you shall cause to be proclaimed
the decree regarding this matter that will be given
yoQ. You shall advise me of the general benefit that
shall result from this, as well as the advantage which,
without causing injury thereto, might be drawn from
these goods for my treasury.
Inainiiieh as the good administration of distribu-
tive justice is one of the things on which principally
depends the good government of the community, and
the happiness of its people and of the districts com-
pn^ifH^ ir, T order voti to f^rant what offices and posts
of the country are at your disposal to meritorious men,
and for services and capacity. You shall grant the
offices in such a way that they be filled by the old in-
habitants who have lived in the country at least three
years, and have become citizens of it. You shall
grant the encomiendas to soldiers who shall have
lived in the islands in actual military service and
duty, always giving the preference to those who merit
it with most cause. You shall take into considera-
tion their length of residence, the quality of their
services, and all other circumstances of their services,
greater and lesser, in the country. These men must
not be sons, brothers, relatives, servants, or friends of
yours, or of the auditors or other officials of the
I593-I597] INSTRUCTIONS FOR TELLO 233
Audiencia; for you are warned not to grant enco-
miendas of Indians to such men, or appoint them to
offices - and to this end a sufficient salary is paid you
to enable you to support them - and also it is not right
that those who go last should profit by the sweat of
another's labor. Moreover, if rewards are dealt out
where they are due, all will serve assiduously, as they
will hope to attain like rewards. My will is that this
order be observed, and that it be kept so rigidly, that,
now and henceforth, the said sons, brothers, and serv-
ants of yours are declared incapable of holding the
said encomiendas and offices. Inasmuch as certain
men who already hold encomiendas in the said islands
and have therein a sufficiency of what they need, are
begging for further bounty, you are advised not to
grant them anything more, until many others have
been provided and rewarded with encomiendas and
other posts and rewards. These others, as I have
been informed, are as old residents, and as merito-
rious as they, and have performed many more serv-
ices in conquering and maintaining the country than
those who are begging now; and yet they have not
been rewarded. On this account they are poor, ir-
ritated, and querulous. However, if when any good
repartimiento falls vacant, you think it advisable to
grant it to one who, because he has an encomienda
already, deserves it less, you may do it, providing you
deprive him of the one he had before, so that you may
grant it in the form above stated.
You shall provide for and reward all these men, ac-
cording to the seniority, merits, and capacity of each
one. You shall prefer such men to any others who
do not possess these requisites, in the said allotment
of encomiendas and governmental and military posi-
234 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [Vol 9
tions, and all other rewards of the country. I charge
and order you to observe the same in regard to com-
missions and appointments on land and sea^ partic-
ularly in the appointment of masters and officials of
vessels ; f or, the grant will be made to those who have
worked, and deserve the appointment, and will give
hope to the others, and will persuade those who are
absent to return. Thus the country will be settled
and will grow, your government will be so much
more mild and easy, and a condition of general and
individual happiness will exist.
As I was informed that it would be desirable not
to allow Chinese or other foreign vessels to sell at
retail the merchandise that they might bring to the
said islands, or those of the country to buy them, pub-
licly or secretly, under heavy penalties, it was re-
solved that as many persons of the requisite qualifica-
tions as were necessary should be deputed and chosen
to purchase the said merchandise in the bulk. They
were to buy at wholesale all the goods brought in the
ships, and afterward to distribute them to the Span-
ish, Chinese, and Indian inhabitants justly and fairly,
at the cost price. Now, since in regard to this matter,
I ordered the said Gomez Perez, in his instructions,
to enact what he judged fitting, without allowing any-
one except those assigned by his orders, to go to the
vessels, notwithstanding that he wrote me afterward
that many difficulties stood in the way of the execu-
tion of this plan, since the religious opposed it, I
caused him to be ordered by my decree, dated June
1 1, of last year - the duplicate of which will be given
you - that in spite of that he should continue the plan,
according to instructions, of selling by wholesale.
This is what is termed pancada there. And inas-
I593-I597] INSTRUCTIONS FOR TELLO 235
much as it appears advisable now, you shall continue
the same order. You shall endeavor to traffic for
the said merchandise with other products of the
islands, so that the exportation of so much coin as is
taken to foreign kingdoms may be avoided as far as
possible. However, since it is my royal purpose and
will to have the government of the islands adjusted
in this, as in all else, in the manner most conducive
to their sure conservation, and desired advancement,
I charge you to discuss this matter with the Audiencia
and those persons who possess the greatest prudence
and experience in those islands. The latter must be
quite disinterested, and anxious to serve God and my-
self. After their opinions and yours shall have been
heard and considered, you shall advise me specifically
of them, so that the most advisable steps may be taken.
This plan in regard to the pancada seems so much
more fitting and to be desired, as by means of it, the
stay there of Indian retailers who store and retail the
goods, will be avoided. Also many other injuries,
expenses, scarcities, secret sins, and witchcrafts, will
be avoided, which, as I have been told, are taught
there, especially in their shops. It is said that these
shops are necessary for retail trade, and from year
to year. They could be handed over to Spaniards, in
order that the profits therefrom may remain among
the Spaniards, and in order that the latter may be
led to become citizens there in greater numbers. The
Chinese Christians who live there, and other old in-
habitants, who are not transients, nor primarily trad-
ers, but workmen - mechanics, carpenters, gardeners,
farmers, or other producers of food -might be al-
lowed to remain. Altogether this seems worthy of
consideration, and hence you are advised to fulfil
-*"* '
3|6 IBB PmUFPIlfB BLANDS fY^L*
Cftfcfidly the dccfce in legftid to the ho^ica OhiocK
tndeis who go tfaeie for fmrpoiet of tndc^ not re-
jMining there; and to take care that not to mmsj of
Ibmn become cttuBcns in tfaore klandt. This latter
wsif^ be the caoie of tome trouble. If jfoii deem it
adwiiable to grant permimm and leave to the inhab-
tettti of those islands to go to Japon, Macan, and the
odher Portngoese or pagan kingdoms and post% u
0fder to engage in commerce, yoD may do so^ widi the
OfMttion and advice of the Andkncia. Ton shall be
veij carefoli so that those to whom jFoii grant the said
permission be sodi persons that no trouble or danger
is caused to the said trades by their departure.
Ton shall endeavor to have the Indian chieft and
iimagott make just contracts and divmons widi the
Wurmen in order that diqr mty become fond of, ami
ieara our mediod of farming; and tfiat die Spaniards
■My have those who can aid ^bcm widi men and other
necessities. Those Indians are shrewd, and will
Iddow bow to keep their contracts widi ^e farmen,
especially if the latter are simple men, as has been
said. You shall be very careful to procure the in-
troduction of tilling and cultivation of the soil.
Upon the departure of Gomez Perez from this
country, he took my decree to hand to the viceroy of
Nueva EspaAa, in which I ordered the latter to
send to the islands twelve mares, two stallions, twenty-
four cows, and two bulls. Inasmuch as I do not
know yet whether or not they have been taken there,
you shall investigate the matter in the said Nueva
EspaAa. If it has not been done, you shall request
the viceroy, as I write him, to have those animals
taken in the vessels in which you sail from Acapulco
to the said islands.
1593-1597] INSTRUCTIONS FOR TELLO 237
I was petitioned, on behalf of the said islands,
to order that encomiendas be granted with the con-
dition and obligation upon the encomenderos that
some patch of ground should be cultivated, and that
the farmers and Indians should be aided so that they
also may till and cultivate. I charged Gomez Perez
straitly in his instructions with this, and now I charge
you too. You shall grant lands and homesteads, cat-
tle and horses for breeding and farming, both to the
Indians, and to the settlers and farmers. Inasmuch
as the execution of this is important, you shall ad-
vise me of the condition of former days and what
ordinances you shall enact, so that what is advisable
may be done during your term.
The said Gomez Perez Dasmarinas was advised
urgently in his instructions to endeavor to establish
a convent for the shelter of girls, as soon as he should
arrive at those islands, in order that both those who
should sail from this country, and those born in the
islands, might be kept therein. There they would
live respectably, and be well instructed. They
would leave the convent in order to marry, so that
the necessary increase in population might be assured.
The said Gomez Perez wrote me in his last letters that
he had established the said convent in a parish of the
city called San Andres, quite to the liking and satis-
faction of the cabildo and citizens. He said that one
citizen had granted the convent a certain estate, with
which, together with other alms, a few girls were
being supported. He reported that the convent was
beginning to show good results, in accordance with
the purpose of its foundation. Since this matter is so
important to our Lord's service and the welfare of
that country, I charge you to prosecute what has been
Z%% THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [Vol 9
commenced. You shall procure its further progress^
strengthening it and aiding it as far as possible. You
shall examine and cause its rules to be observed.
These rules were sent, and declare the method of gov-
erning and controlling the girls of that retreat You
shall advise me of the condition in which you find the
retreat, and hereafter shall do the same on all occa-
sions that might arise. You shall act in this with the
care that I expect from you*
You shall fill the vacant posts of the said islands,
as aforesaid, with the most worthy men, and those
who have served me best They shall be appointed
with the obligation to send within a certain period,
fixed by you, to obtain my confirmation. Then you
shall advise me of the nature and character of the
offices filled. For, although the said offices be of such
a nature that they could be sold, as is done in the other
parts of the Yndias, yet I consider it best not to dis-
cuss this at present, but only to have you dispose of
them freely, in my name, to those who deserve them
most, and who will prove of the greatest utility for
the public benefit
I have received a report from the said islands, that
in so far as the nature of the country and the settle-
ment of the Indians may permit, it would be advis-
able to order that no encomiendas of less than eight
hundred or one thousand Indians be granted, in
order that they might furnish tithes for religious in-
struction and a livelihood for their owners; and that
those having but few Indians be allowed, if they so
wish, to transfer or sell them to a neighboring en-
comendero, so that by uniting the two encomiendas a
greater one would result, from which it would be pos-
sible to furnish the tithes and a livelihood. I ordered
1593-1597] INSTRUCrriONS FOR TELLO 239
Gomez Perez in his instructions that, in matters
touching the sale, exchange, or transfer of the said
repartimientos, he should not permit this, as it is con-
trary to my laws. I ordered him, however, to exer-
cise great care, so that the repartimientos might
prove sufficient for the instruction and the livelihood
of the said encomenderos ; and also to continue the
endeavor to settle the said Indians in fixed abodes,
where they should be provided with ample instruc-
tion. Inasmuch as this is the most important matter
there, and one to which you must attend with special
care and attention, as it concerns the welfare of souls
and the Christianity of the Indians - and it is fitting
that you give it preference over all other things - you
shall note that when these small encomiendas fall va-
cant, you shall unite them, if possible, in order that
the above petition may have effect. Whenever the
products and revenues of any encomienda do not suf-
fice for the encomendero and for the instruction, you
shall give the preference to the instruction, even
though the encomendero be left without resource.
In accordance with the above, I have sent my decree,
of which a duplicate will be given you. This decree
provides carefully and assiduously for the reduction
of the said Indians in settlements in very convenient
districts, hamlets, and localities, as has been done in
those of Peru, and as in being done in those of Nueva
Espafia.
As the suits and controversies between the citizens
and between the Indians themselves constitute one of
the things most conducive to the waste of property,
cause difficulties, and may cause harm in a country
so new, because of the ill-will and anger resulting
from them, I charged the said Gomez Perez, in his
a4o niB pmuppiNB isuinds CVoLg
intnicdoiis, ditt tldioag^ my will was to pteienre
full jvttioe for both dastes, yet ditt be sbould^ at far
m he could do to in a proper manner, endeavor to
aMtle die oontrovenies and tiiits diat thould ariiey
widiont reooniie to law, or proceeding by die ordi-
nary terms, or penalising die parties widi nioney fines.
Mew in order diat all may enjoy the blessings fdiidi
follow frooka govemnu^it so mild; so diat all
rlive in tranqnillity and ease; and so diat die great
purposes diat^ God willing^ are to be attained here-
after, may not be hindered or disturbed - 1 chaige
you and die Audienda diat^ in all that you shall do,
yoo shall act widi the prudoice advisable in die
cases and affairs, and bring about results that can aid
«ily in die happiness and welfare of my vassals, to-
gedier widi the spread and knowledge of die £uth
and gospel diat I desire-
As I was informed diat the said islands had but
, iittie instraction, and diat great difficulty was en-
countered in providing it -a difficulty that was ren-
dered much greater because of the nature of the coun-
try, as it consists entirely of islands, most of which arc
so small that they contain from three to five hundred
islanders and above, while some contain but one or
two hundred ; and likewise it is hindered by the long
and dangerous voyage, the heat, rains, and poor roads
of the country -I ordered and commanded the said
Gomez Perez in his instructions that, upon his arrival
at the said islands, he should investigate very care-
fully matters in regard to the outlook for instruction.
I ordered him to confer with the bishop (whom he
should charge in my name to aid him on his part),
and, in accordance with his advice, to provide what
was most advisable, so that the instruction might be
1593-1597] INSTRUCTIONS FOR TELLO 241
distributed even to the bounds of the sea, to the ex-
tent possible in all parts. I charge you likewise that
this be accomplished with all the promptness and se-
curity demanded by its importance. You shall en-
deavor to secure the reduction of the Indians into
settlements, as well as possible, in the manner afore-
said. You shall confer with the superiors, whom this
matter concerns chiefly, so that - as I am writing to
them - they may apportion the instruction where it is
lacking. In the meantime, more men shall be sent
for this purpose, as has been done, and will be done,
in accordance with the advices that are received from
you, and from them, of the number needed and re-
quired. Inasmuch as I have done for my part the
utmost possible, as I shall continue to do, there is no
room or plausible reason for the scruples that certain
religious have raised about the tributes which are
levied. You shall endeavor, with the requisite pru-
dence, to put an end to the past scruples; and if oc-
casion arises for like scruples, or others, you shall
order that, without any public offense or disputing,
they advise me of their causes, in so far as they know
them. If these causes are just, then they shall be set
right, in order that God our Lord may be served,
as I desire.
You shall take most especial care for the well-
being of the soldiers, and see that they are well paid,
employed, and disciplined You shall endeavor to
keep them useful and of service. Those holding
offices or other means of gain you shall not permit
to draw pay. You shall observe and cause to be ob-
served for the said captains, officers, and soldiers,
their exemption from arrest for debts contracted dur-
ing the period of their service. Nor shall execution
342 THE PHIUPPINE ISLANDS [V11L9
be taken agaiost the wcaponi^ horses, or anything else
needful and peculiar to the military.
Whenever you shall send any captain with men
upon any commission or dut)* that may arise, you shall
order that his privileges be observed also - namely,
what pertains to his ordinary power and requisite au-
thority to order and punish inferiors, and to regulate
all other military matters. You shall see that these
privileges arc conceded to them, and that they exer-
cise them, but shall declare that their jurisdiction ex-
tends solely to their soldiers. You shall charge them
to treat the Indians well, and to fulfil their command
in such a way that the Indians receive no injury.
You shall exercise great care to punish openly any ex-
cess in this direction.
It is my wilt that you have a retinue of twelve hal-
berdiers as a bodyguard; the said halberdiers shall
draw the same pay as soldiers, and shall have a chief
or captain^ who shall draw fifteen pesos monthly.
AlthniiGfh their principal durv must be to act as a
retinue, and this is done and ordered on account of
what pertains to the authority and dignity of your
offices, you are advised that they must likewise per-
form military service whenever occasion demands.
Inasmuch as I have been informed that many of
the soldiers sent from Nueva EspaAa to the said
islands are lads, mestizos, and some Indians; that
they have no weapons ; and that a portion of them are
pages and servants to the captains and other persons,
who, together with their masters, under the pretext
and name of soldiers draw their pay -I charge and
order you, now and henceforth, not to receive or admit
as soldiers any Indians from Nueva Espafia. On the
contrary, the viceroy [of New Spain] must he in-
I593-I597] INSTRUCTIONS FOR TELLO 243
formed that he is not to send them ; and the Indians,
that they shall not be received or admitted ; and of the
mestizos only those who merit it, and whom you think
very well fitted for it None of the others shall be
sent who has not attained the age of sixteen years and
over, and a soldier shall not be the page or servant
of any person ; for while he acts in such capacity, he
shall not receive soldier's pay. In all of the above,
I charge you to take strict account, so that nothing
may be done, nor shall you permit it, to the contrary.
Gomez Perez Dasmarinas left the city of Manila
walled with stone wherever it was necessary, and
constructed a fort and tower in those parts where he
was ordered. Because of the importance of keeping
that citadel well defended, you shall, as soon as you
shall arrive, inspect the said forts and wall, and shall
see that they are kept in order and well maintained.
If they are incomplete, you shall finish them, and
advise me of everything.
The said Gomez Perez was likewise ordered to
construct another fort in YUocos or Cagayan as a pro-
tection against the Indian, Japanese, and Chinese rob-
bers; another in Qebu, as a protection against the
Boraeans and Malucos; and another in Panpanga,
as a protection against the ^ambales. He was in-
structed to maintain the continual care and vigilance
required for the preservation of lands so new, remote,
and surrounded by enemies. He was ordered espe-
cially to beware of the natives of the country, who are
numerous, and have, but little endurance and perma-
nence in the faith ; of four or five thousand Chinese
who live there, and go to and fro upon their trading
voyages; of the Japanese who resort there regularly;
of the Malucos and Boraeans, who are irritated, and
344 THE PHUJPPINE ISLANDS CV0L9
have vtooted theimelves boldly and opoily ; aod most
etpeciaUy of die English LiudieranSy who go to those
OMSts. Although I have been told that the said
Gomez Perez had constrwrted die said forts, whereby
to check die incursions of diose nations^ I charge
ymi that, if they have hem ccmstructed, you look atn-
fully to dieir maintenance. If they need anydiing
lor dieir OMnpletion, you shall complete diem. Toa
shall proceed cautiously, and keep ever on the watdi,
since you see what happened to tbt said Gomez Perez
by trusting to the apparent good faith of die Sangleys.
Hie said Gomez Perez was charged alM to con-
struct a moderate-sized- coasting fleet of a few galleys
or f ragatas to guard and cruise alcmg die coas6| ami
prevent die thefts and damages that the Japanese
were wont to inflict throughout diem, especially in
the districts of Gagaian and Yllocos. There diqr
m^re wont to capture die Chinese vessels that bring
food and merchandise to die said islands^ This was
the cause of great loss, and an impediment to com-
merce and plenty. Likewise the fleet could be used
to prevent the Chinese, on their return to their coun-
try, from harming the natives of the above-mentioned
islands, to afford protection against Chinese and Bor-
nean pirates, and to oppose any other acts or attempts
of foreigners. In conformity with this order, the
said Gomez Perez had eight galleys built, which
he had well manned. They were of great use for the
protection and defense of those lands. Therefore
it is desirable that they be maintained. Hence I
order you to see that they are well manned and pro-
visioned. You must keep close watch over the con-
scripts, so that the fate of Gomez Perez may not oc-
cur again. You shall have another galley built to
1593-1597] INSTRUCTIONS FOR TELLO 245
replace the one lost. Inasmuch as you must main-
tain the roll of men complete, you are advised that
if you find that the scruples raised by certain men,
in regard to the Indian slaves bought by the said
Gomez Perez in order to man the said galleys, as
there were no other men available for them, are still
in force, then it will be advisable for you and the
archbishop, together with those persons whom you
both think advisable, to discuss this matter, and to de-
termine how the galleys can be maintained and man-
ned without the said scruples ; or that those who have
those scruples, may tell how the land may be made
secure without them. You shall advise me of every-
thing and of the account given to you by the com-
mander and officers of the said galleys, as to their
condition, adequacy, and services.
Upon your arrival at those islands, and when you
shall have taken charge of your office, you shall in-
vestigate the new method and conditions by which
new invasions and pacifications may be lawfully
made; also the smallness of the number of men, the
slight cost, and the great ease and advantage with
which they should be made, because of the division
of the country into many islands and among many
petty rulers, who easily come to blows among them-
selves, and ally themselves with the Spaniards, and
hence can be preserved with but few soldiers. Since
the petition in regard to the pay and number of the
soldiers there was conceded - and you must keep the
soldiers in good discipline, and satisfied and well-
paid - you shall make the said expeditions of entry
and pacification with great forethought and justifica-
tion. You shall observe the ordinances in the in-
structions for new discoveries, which shall be given
246 THE PHILIPPrNE ISLANDS [VoL^
you, and shall not transgress them one jot or tittle in
regard both to what is pacified during your term,
and to conserving that, as well as what shall have
been pacified before; for in both cases you must do
this without any sort of violence or ill treatment, but
with the kind treatment by which friends must be
preserved. Thus if there has been any excess in
this - which has been done contrary to my will and
orders -it must entirely cease in whatever shall be
done during your term. By this I lighten my con-
science and charge yours.
The great need for the said pacification in the said
islands has been reported, especially in those very dis-
tricts where the Spaniards live^ and which they fre-
quent These districts are all in rebellion and un-
subdued, because of the tack of soldiers. Report has
been made also of the injuries and vexations caused
by the soldiers there to the natives. And inasmuch
as things are come to such a pass there, according to
report, that the island of Lugon has many provinces
which have never been subdued, or if subdued, are in
rebellion -as for instance, Cagayan, Panga[sinan?],
Ongian, Qambales, Valenses, and others, all in the
midst of the pacified provinces, and near and contig-
uous to Manila, and all in confusion and lack of any
regulation - as soon as you reach the said islands,
with the advice and opinion of the Audiencia, you
shall ordain what is most advisable in this matter.
You shall begin, as may be reasonable and most de-
sirable, by attending to the general improvement of
these conditions, and with especial care and assist-
ance ; for evil might come upon the distant places, if
the part at your very doors is left under suspicion and
unsubdued. Besides there is the obligation to try to
I593-I597] INSTRUCTIONS FOR TELLO 247
secure the continuation of the instruction of so many
people as are already converted, and under my royal
protection. Because these do not have the peace and
tranquillity required, they suffer great hardships and
wrongs from those who are in rebellion and unpaci-
fied. Daily the latter harass, kill, and assault them,
and burn their crops. On this account, and because
they kill many Spaniards also, not only is there no
advance made in conquests, but that portion con-
quered is being daily diminished. In order to
reform this state of affairs, you shall give commands,
in accordance with what has been said above, with
great consideration and justification. You shall
always observe, as aforesaid, the ordinances set forth
in the instructions for discoveries, pacifications, and
the introduction of the gospel, without violating
them in any point.
Beside the said provinces that are in rebellion in
places, among the Spaniards and Indians already
converted, there are others, which although they do
not lie so near, yet, in respect to their distances and
the nature of their inhabitants, cannot be termed
new discoveries, as they are already known and con-
sidered -as, for instance, Babuyanes, the island of
Hermosa, the island of Caballos, Lequios, the islands
of Angion, J abas, Burney, Pacaguan, Calanyanes,
Mindanao, Sido, Maluco, and many others. Since,
as it is reported, the condition of these provinces is
daily becoming worse, and it is advised that it would
be necessary to pacify them for the welfare and safety
of the Spaniards, and that delay might make that
task more difficult, you shall inform yourself as to
how the said pacification and conquest can be best
and most quickly made. You shall perform it with
a48 THE PHIUPPINB ISLANDS [VflLff
die tdvice tad opinioQ of die Attdienciii in the feim
•od aMumer most adrittble. Toa shsU always ob^
•enre io everydiuig die form above meiidofiedy aad
noodier.
As I have dioogfit it advisable diat you, vffaom I
trust so completely, should, widi die advice and opki*
ion of the Audiemda, have power and audiority to
make the said expeditions of entry and padficatkias
at die cost of my royal exchequer, in oonsiderationirf
the fact that, if you in lands so remote were com-
pelled to await a reply from here, important oppor-
tnnides and occasions might be lost, I have resolved
to empower yoo for diis purpose. Accordingly I
give you diis power, and I order die officials of mf
royal exchequer of die said islands to iKMHor all your
orders on them for die said purpose, from die moiieyt
in dieir power. But you are to take note diat yo«
diall exercise the said power only in the most im-
portant matters diat arise. Tou diall beforehand
communicate regarding these, not only with ttut Audi-
t encia, as above stated, but also with ecclesiastical or
secular persons, or such of them as you shall deem
] suitable and of greatest merit and experience, in
order that whatever is done be concurred in by all
and the expense be no greater than what is unavoid-
able. You shall endeavor to make as safe as pos-
sible the regions pacified and subdued. You shall
advise me, with the minuteness and circumspectness
^ required by the importance of this matter and my de-
sire for its execution, of what you do, of what is paci-
fied, the means that you employ, and the condition
in which it shall be placed and left.
In order that this may be done better and at the
least expense, I authorize you, after having resolved
I593-I597] INSTRUCTIONS FOR TELLO 249
Upon the expeditions of entry and the new pacifica-
tions that it is advisable to make, in the form above
mentioned, to covenant and agree with captains, en-
comenderos, and any others, in regard to the said ex-
peditions of entry and pacifications. They shall
make them wholly or partly at their own cost, as you
may deem more advisable. These men shall be given
title as governors of the islands or provinces that
they discover or pacify, and for a limited time as cap-
tains and masters-of-camp. However, you shall not
grant them title as adelantados or mariscals; but,
when anyone claims such a title, you shall refer the
matter to me, with a relation of the services, char-
acter, and merits of the claimant. The said con-
tracts and covenants that you shall make, may, with
the concurrence and advice of the Audiencia, re-
main in force until I approve them, in order to gain
time, but on the condition of referring everything
to me. For this, in conformity with it, you shall bind
the parties to produce the said confirmations within
a certain brief period fixed by yourself. They shall
bind themselves to observe in their pacifications the
said orders and instructions given by me for making
the said pacifications and new discoveries, and, after
they are made, for conserving them; for in this mat-
ter you must make no exemptions, nor shall I make
any in any case, nor shall any contract be kept with
those who do not observe and keep the above.
I have been informed also that there has been, and
is at present, much irregularity in the collection of the
tributes from the Indians, because the former gov-
ernors of the said islands made the appraisements in
a very confused and haphazard manner. For, al-
though each Indian's tribute is worth eight reals,
aso
THE PHILIPPTISTE ISLANDS
[V6L9
paid in whatever the Indian possesses, yet on account
of certain words in the said appraisals and of the ar*
tides which arc assigned for tribute - such as cotton
cloth, and other products of the country -occasion is
given for the said irregularity. This has resulted in
each one's collecting whatever he wished, to the great
offense and wrong of the said Indians; for when gold
is plentiful^ their encomenderos demand money, and
when the latter is abundant and gold scarce, they de-
mand gold, even though the said Indians have to
seek and buy it In short, they always demand the
said tributes in those things that are scarce. Thus
for the tribute of eight reals, some collect fifteen, and
others twenty, twxnty-fivc, thirty, and more, accord-
ing to the value of the products that they demand,
which they cause the Indians to seek and bring from
other districts, to their great distress and affliction.
As it is advisable to remedy this disorder and ex-
cess, I charge you that, with the concurrence and
advice of the Audiencia, you shall endeavor to have
the decree followed in regard to the payment "by
the said Indians of their tribute in money, gold, or
land products - as they choose, without being forced
or urged to pay it in any other thing or product
whereby they suffer the said wrong, or any similar
wrong; this shall be observed in the payment of the
said tributes.
In regard to the lawlessness that has existed and
exists, in the departure of the said religious from the
said islands to the mainland of China and other
places, without permission from the governor or
archbishop (declaring that, because of their uni-
versal power, they will excommunicate those who
prevent them) I have previously made known what
I593-I597] INSTRUCTIONS FOR TELLO 251
was regarded as advisable - namely, that the reli-
gious should go to the said Philipinas Islands fully re-
solved to settle there, and not to go to any other place
without your permission and that of the said arch-
bishop; for I am sending them for this purpose, and
they go there at so great expense to me, in order that
my obligation to furnish instruction might be ful-
filled. It is not right that, when they go there, they
should frustrate all the above for their own indi-
vidual ends and purposes, in order that they might
secure and enjoy the privileges on which they are es-
tablished; without being bound to their ministry,
which they have no right to abandon. This must be
understood as affecting the religious who go there
for the purpose of settling and remaining in the is-
lands, and not those who have my permission to go
farther to other districts ; for, when the latter is given
or granted them, it will be after weighty considera-
tion.
I have been informed also that, in order to correct
the license that has existed, and the wrongs that have
resulted from the departure of some from the said
islands for China and other countries without order
or permission, it would be advisable to ordain, un-
der severe penalties, that no Spanish layman may
leave the islands for any place, or to attend to any
business, or give fragata, supplies, or any other aid
to any of the said religious, except by my special
order, or by your permission and that of the said
archbishop. Inasmuch as this is coordinate with the
contents of the preceding section, you shall note what
is provided therein, for the same must be understood
in what touches this matter, which it covers com-
pletely.
ap THE PmUPPINB ISLANDS
I hsire been informed ditt wrongi sfe inflicted on
the hestiien Chineie Indiani who go to trade at the
•aid itlaads, bodi in permitting die gntrds stationed
bf my mfwl offidtlt on their vesidt to take bribes
(wliich are bronght from Qiina to give to private
individnaiSi in order to allow them to do <^f tua
tliingt)i and in the conduct of tiboie who register Ac
TSMels, who ieise and take from them all die beat
merchandise, and leave them onlj die worst This
they pay for only at the price broiD^t by die le-
lecbed merdiandise. The Chinese, because they lesr
Um those who register their vessels should take their
merchandise from them at die time of appraisal,
value them at prices much in eioess of dieir tme
value. The result of this is diat, as die goods aie
sold afterward at veiy low rates, die Chhiese pay
my dudes at die rate pf valuation. Moreover, die
masts are takm from dieir vessds in order So fdsoe
1them in Spanish vessels, as diey are Ug^t; and in oc*
change they are given odM^rs, which are so heavy
that they are lost. This is not right and ought not
to be permitted. Therefore I charge you not to al-
low it, or to permit any wrong to be inflicted upon
the said Indians. On the contrary, both you and the
said Audiencia shall take special care to remedy the
said wrongs, and to punish those who inflict them.
You shall show all kind treatment and attention, both
to the above and to all others who went there before
for trade and commerce. You shall expedite them
in every way and treat them well, as is advisable -
not only so that they may continue the trade, but also
so that they may be led to abandon the idolatry and
blindness in which they live, and to receive instruc-
tion in the law of the gospel.
I593-I597] INSTRUCTIONS FOR TELLO 253
Because of the importance of attention to duties
of citizenship on the part of citizen encomenderos ~
both for the conservation and defense of the said is-
lands, and for their settlement and increase - 1 charge
you to grant leave to no encomendero, under any
considerations, to absent himself from the said is-
lands, even if he should have permission from the
viceroy and Audiencia of Nueva Espafia. If any-
one should absent himself without permission from
me, or unless you shall have granted him permission
for unavoidable reasons, you shall deprive him of
his encomienda, and bestow it upon another and
more deserving citizen. Inasmuch as Mariscal
Gavriel de Rivera, Captain Juan Pacheco Mal-
donado, and other citizens went to Nueva Espana by
permission of former governors, and although they
have petitioned me for a prolongation of their stay
there, not only have I not conceded this to them, but
I have answered them bidding them to return. They
were warned that their encomiendas would be de-
clared vacant, as the time granted by their permis-
sion is already expired, unless they should have re-
turned within the period by which they were bound.
If you ascertain, upon your arrival at Nueva Espafia,
that they have not returned to the said islands, then
you shall deprive them of the said encomiendas, and
give the same to others. You shall admit no objec-
tion or excuse, for whatever you do contrary to this,
now and henceforth, I hereby declare as invalid and
null and void.
As I was petitioned, in behalf of the said islands, to
grant them a concession ordering exemption from the
duties on the first sale of the goods that they send to
the port of Acapulco and other places, and also that
2S4
THE FHILIPPINE ISLANDS
[V0L9
the twelve pesos per tonelada of freight shipped by
the citizens of those islands be not collected at the
said port of Acapulco ~ this is the duty imposed by
Don Gon^alo RonquUIo - answer was made them
that the proceeds from these duties were very neces-
sary in order to pay the soldiers and for other ex-
penses. Accordingly Gomez Perez was ordered in
his instructions to have them collected for the above-
named purpose^ and you shall do the same, until I
ordain and order otherwise.
Much has been reported of the disadvantages aris-
ing from the trade between those islands and China.
The Portuguese have complained of this, and de-
clared it to be of great harm to them in their trad-
ing. They allege other reasons, in order to per-
suade me that this trade should be prohibited. But
other reasons, proving the contrary, have not been
lacking here, the first and foremost (and it is true)
being that, by this means, the land already discovered
can be conserved^ and the gospel can be introduced
into other lands farther on - a matter that under any
other regime would be difficult and almost impos-
sible; and although the Portuguese offer other im-
portant arguments, this is what most influences me.
Therefore, in order to adopt the method- which will
best harmonize these difficulties, my council dis-
cussed the matter, and advised what you will see in
the decrees which have been despatched on this oc-
casion, and which shall be given you. I order you
to have them observed and obeyed to the letter.
However, if any disadvantages should result, or if
there are any other more desirable methods, you
shall advise me of all, so that after investigation, the
advisable steps may be taken.
I593-I597] INSTRUCTIONS FOR TELLO 255
Because of my great desire that the contents of
section seventeen be obeyed to the letter, I charge
and order you that, whenever you write me and send
me despatches, you shall send a minute and exact re-
lation of all the meritorious persons who claim re-
ward for services that they have performed in the
reduction, pacification, and conservation of that land,
with the character, seniority, and other circum-
stances concerning each of them. You shall send
also a list of those whom you shall reward, with the
means, method, reason, and justification of the re-
ward that you shall have given them. This shall in-
clude both the vacant encomiendas that you shall
have allotted, and the posts that you shall have filled,
or any other means that you shall have employed in
granting the said rewards. For if I have this in-
formation regarding them all, then the reason for the
complaints and grievances of certain men can be in-
vestigated, who assert that they do not receive the
reward and remuneration that they demand. In
order to bind them more closely to the fulfilment of
the aforesaid, a decree of like tenor shall be sent you,
and you shall examine and obey it.
As you will find out, especial care has been taken
that the ecclesiastics and friars who present them-
selves to give instruction should learn the language of
the Indians whom they are to teach and instruct; and
that chairs should be established where the said lan-
guage may be taught, so that there may be plenty of
priests and ministers who know the language, in
order to fulfil the above purpose. But inasmuch as
this method has not proved, nor is it now, a sufficient
aid by which the Indians may be taught and in-
structed in the Christian faith and religion, so that
as6
THE PHILIPPINB BLANDS
thcj ttixf reoehre it miidi benefit dieielfom as h ad-
viMble and detirtble-tnd it thqr would have re-
flttved hid die lame cate beat takctt to teach all the
Iftdiani Cairilitii, by whidi plan more and better
■unittefi would hive beeo had for their teach ing and
iMtructioa, and they would have fallen into fewer
errof% or none, on account of their iddatries and
other former Ticei and tupentitioni-it has been
deemed advisable to provide in diit regard the de-
Cfoe^ diat will be given yim.with these instructions.
Accordingly, after you shall have caused that decree
lb be prodahned in tfie usual public places, with the
necessaiy solenmities and odier cerononiet^ you shall
meet widi die Audienda and secular and regular ec-
desiastical dignitaries, and all togedier you shall de-
.dde and ordain how the contents of die said decree
oiay be observed, obeyed, and executed eiactly and to
the letter, both in that dty and in all die ether cities
of diose islands and provinces, so diat all its contents
may be fulfilled and executed You shaU have the
care in this that I expect from you, and as is de-
manded by its importance. Thus will our Lord be
very greatly served, and the souls of the Indians ad-
vantaged. Whenever opportunity offers, you shall
advise me of what shall be ordained for its fulfilment,
and the manner and method of executing it.
And inasmuch as I have ever exercised especial
care in maintaining all the kingdoms and provinces
subject to me in peace, tranquillity, and justice, for
this same purpose and object I established an audien-
cia in that said city and province, in order that every-
*^As early as 1550 a decree was issued that, "when possible,
schools should be established for the instruction of the Indians in
the Castilian language" {Recop. leyes Indias, lib. vi, tit i, ley
xviii) ; but apparently this was not fiilly enforced.
I593-I597] INSTRUCTIONS FOR TELLO 257
thing might be governed by means of it, and justice
administered with the universal equality, mildness,
and satisfaction desirable. After its establishment I
ordered it to be suppressed, as experience proved it
to be unnecessary in a land so new and unsettled. In
its place I sent a governor; and although his admin-
istration was excellent, yet, inasmuch as that com-
munity has grown and, it is hoped, will continue to
grow, I have thought it advisable to found and es-
tablish the said Audiencia again. Accordingly,
after having appointed you in the place of Gomez
Perez, your predecessor, I have determined to es-
tablish the said Audiencia again. It shall be lo-
cated in those districts, in order that their govern-
ment may be similar to that of the other kingdoms
under my dominion. I have appointed for it per-
sons as auditors, a fiscal, and other officials. I have
renewed the former ordinances " by which that said
Audiencia was founded. You shall examine those
ordinances, in order to have them observed and
obeyed with the exactness that I expect from you.
You shall maintain the necessary peace and harmony
with those acting as auditors, so that your govern-
ment may be all that is needful and as I desire for
the consolation, relief, and happiness of that com-
munity, and of its inhabitants, and my vassals
therein. You on both sides [governor and Audiencia]
shall administer the government with care, under-
standing - especially those of you who might be the
cause of disturbing the peace, harmony, and friendly
relations with which you, on both sides and jointly,
must carry on the government - that I shall consider
*'See the document here referred to, at the end of vol. v,
and completed in vol. vl
IBB FHUIPPINB HyiNDB
CV«L9
layidf wtH tenred ia die aooompUtfaiiieiit md eaecii-
tkmoftfiis^ Idiftffetliisu|x»yoi^ iadcKpecty^
t0 tooompliiii it widi die good ennqple diiu is doe
f mn you in ovcijflhiiig.
Too thail entcm gftttctre not to tend judg^ on
commiiiiont cicc|M: in utctttuj ind omvoid-*
CMCti in order to svoid tiie iitrm diat diqr gen*
««Ily ctoie to commonidet. This mntt be avoided
ttierei duefly beoniie diet eoounonity bet been edb-
tied M recendy. It is edvisaUe to act widi greater
eandon in diis mattery as in everydung dse, for die
better oonsenration and inaease of diat oomnronity>
Ton diall enrdse die same and greater care eo
maintain tlKmmg^ barmony and unity witb all die
WBBs iastical dignitaries» bodi secidar and regntat,
and with all die ecdesiasdcai estate; for many con-
sequences, very important for tbe general and indi*
vidual good of all that land and all diose provinces^
can be expected from die good example resokiiig
from tbis. At Toledo^ on die twenQr^fifdb day of
May, in the year one thousand five hundred and
ninety-six.
I THE King
By order of the king, our sovereign:
Joan de Ybarra
cil.
Signed by the president and members of the Coun-
LETTER FROM LUIS PEREZ DASMARI-
NAS TO FELIPE II
Sire:
iWith some misgiving and anxiety, Sire, I have con-
sidered whether or no I should write this to your
Majesty, but necessity and not my wish obliges me.
For some reasons I would like to leave it unwritten,
particularly because I do not care to contradict my-
self and appear, in what I am about to write ahd ask
of your Majesty, to change my ground from what I
have written to your Majesty before about some of
my affairs. I cease not to fear and dread that the rea-
son of this may appear from what I write now and
what has before been written, to be an invention, arti-
fice, or plot. It is not so, although I confess it does in
some wise appear so. Speaking with frankness and
truth. Sire, which is the way in which I have con-
cluded to write this, and as one should always write,
particularly to your Majesty, the fact is. Sire, that
my affairs have taken a different turn from what I
expected when I wrote to your Majesty. By the com-
passion and grace of God I have no longer that wish,
intent, and desire, which I have expressed in other let-
ters to your Majesty, concerning my wish and desire
of obtaining a state more quiet and safe and less dis-
turbed, and less dangerous for my past and present
26o THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [VoL 9
salvation. In order not to tire or occupy your Maj-
esty with an affair of so little weight and moment^
although it means much to me, I declare^ Sire, that,
according to my desire and intention, I wrote to your
Majesty exempting myself and bidding farewell to
human and temporal pretensions^ thinking that they
were not necessary for me, and rather desiring to as-
sist with what I had, some persons in need^ debt, and
obligation. Since then my affairs here have gone in
the usual and ordinary way of the world, which is un-
like, even contrary to^ human project, plan, and judg-
ment. Many times things are planned very differ-
ently from what actually happens afterwards, as is
verified by my case. For I thought to have some-
thing to leave, and I am obliged to ask for aid; and
I may truly say that it is not for myself, but for those
whom I owe and am under strict and just obligations
to satisfy and pay. The deb^ are such and so many,
that no calculation can be made. In December, when
I wrote to your Majesty by way of Malaca, according
to my understanding the debts were somewhat more
than thirty-eight thousand pesos. Although it is true
that some were paid later, I have not adjusted or
liquidated my debts so that I can state the amount;
yet I can assure your Majesty that altogether I owe a
very large sum at present. God knows how overcome
with confusion I am when I consider my debts and
obligations and the little I have to satisfy them.
Thus, Sire, your Majesty cannot fail of the assistance
which is necessary for one who has so little and owes
so much, and who has to pay it and, moreover, an-
swer and give account for his father and himself.
Besides what was paid and spent by my father, after
his death were contracted debts not far from twenty-
1593-1597] DASMARIlJAS TO FELIPE II 261
five or twenty-six thousand pesos, and in addition to
the aforesaid, there are other things not yet cleared
up of which the amount is not known. On account of
all this I have ventured to give a report to your Maj-
esty, so that, knowing the burden of obligations and
the plight of this least of your Majesty's servants, who
is in this land so distant and far from his own, your
Majesty may be pleased with your royal and most
pious compassion to take pity upon and show mercy
to this, his most insignificant servant. For his relief,
after God, he depends on the royal graciousness and
aid of your Majesty, as from his king and lord, from
whom and from whose magnanimity, after God, de-
pends my weal, succor, and liberty. As necessity
teaches those who suffer to seek plans and modes for
relief, I shall propose to your Majesty what seems to
me the most convenient and speedy remedy. I desire
that your Majesty may be pleased but to grant me
grace and license to send and despatch to Peru, if
perchance it be expedient, and I am able so to do, a
ship of two hundred and fifty or three hundred tone-
ladas, with articles and goods from China - although
I do not know what I can do with my small capital
and means. Yet it is to be considered that here a
ship is made and built at much less cost than else-
where; and, if it were of no more than the said
tonnage, it might be done in some way or other. This
would be exceeding grace and relief for this least of
your Majesty's servants, who humbly begs that it be
so done. I ask it not with designs, plans, and desires
for greater profits and riches, to be held and enjoyed ;
but for the relief and payment of so great necessities
and strict obligations, and in behalf of others. If
there should be anything left over after fulfilling
26a THE PHIUFPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
these obltgationSp and should your Majesty be pleased
to grant me this grace according to my plan, there
might result profit to this commonwealth. The cargo
sent there could at the same time bring aid to me and
relief to the commonwealth - or, as I say, convenience
and profit A ship of so little tonnage sent only once
to Peru cannot take an excessive or inordinate cargo.
For this reason also, I beseech your Majesty to grant
me this grace; and although I have many excuses
wherewith to move and incline the royal heart and
compassion of your Majesty, by referring to several
of my affairs and services, I omit to do so, I only sup-
plicate your Majesty most humbly by the royal mag-
nanimity and the necessity of this teast of your
Majesty's servants. May your Majesty be pleased
to grant me this grace. Above all, I beseech the
Divine Majesty of God our Lord that, if this be not
meet for His glory or service^ or if there may result
therefrom some damage or prejudice to His cause or
that of your Majesty; His Divine Majesty will move
your Majesty not to permit or concede me this grace
which I ask. May His Divine Majesty preserve your
Majesty as He is able, and as we all desire and need.
Amen. Manila, June 30, 1596.
Luis Perez Dasmari$^as
[Endorsed: " Manila. To his Majesty, 1596; Don
Luis Dasmariflas, June 30.*' ^^ Keep this letter until
the report of the residencia which is to be taken in
his case and that of his father shall be received."]
LETTER FROM DOCTOR ANTONIO DE
MORGA TO FELIPE II
Sire:
At the close of the past year, ninety-five, I wrote to
your Majesty via Malaca, giving a full account of
some affairs of this place. The duplicate of that let-
ter accompanies this, and I refer you to the same.
Every day the peace of this land is becoming more
secure. Xapon is kept quiet by the presence of the
Franciscan religious whom we have there. They
have built churches and hospitals ; and in March they
wrote to us again, telling how they preached publicly
and have made a large number of converts. They
are fearful lest the fathers of the Society of Jesus will
insist that they leave that country. Such a change
would disturb everything, for the king loves them on
account of their poverty and charity. If they did so,
we should return to the former days of uneasiness.
Captain Esteban Rodriguez de Figueroa set forth
on the first of last April on the expedition for the
pacification of Mindanao, with about fifty sail, large
and small, two hundred and fourteen Spaniards, one
thousand five hundred armed Indians, and a good
store of artillery, ammunition, and supplies. In a
week's time he came to the mouth of the river of
Mindanao. The king and his people had retired
264 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [VoL 9
twenty-five legtias up the river to a village named
Buhayen, where they fortified themselves. Governor
Esteban Rodriguez followed them with the fleet, and
landed the majority of the troops, whereupon an en-
gagement took place there. The governor went with
a few troops to arrange for an agreement, and an
armed Indian assailed him. The captain received so
severe a cut on the head with a campilan that he be-
came unconscious and died within thirty hours, with-
out having declared a successor to the government
The camp and fleet were fortified in a convenient
place and a city was founded, which was called Mur-
cia. The cabildo thereof elected as governor Captain
Juan de Laxara, a captain of infantry of this camp^
who had accompanied Estevan Rodriguez and the
troops here assigned to the latter, and whom Estevan
Rodriguez had appointed submaster-of-camp. He
is in the said city, fortifying it, and claims to carry on
the government thereof without being subject to this
or nnv other, for he is a bold man* He asks aid, and
it will be sent in due time. In the meanwhile steps
are being taken to mollify him so that he will come to
reason and not become petulant, on account of the
inconveniences which might arise therefrom to the
service of your Majesty, and the peace and welfare of
this state. Since there is doubt as to what will
happen, it will be even more desirable than when
Estevan Rodriguez was living that your Majesty
now give definite commands in respect to this matter.
The said island of Mindanao is very large and rich,
and is inhabited by many people. There is a steady
increase in the number of those who submit to the
sway of your Majesty, in addition to those already
pacified. It is the first of these islands to recognize
1593-1597] MORGA TO FELIPE II 265
your Majesty, and is the most important for their
security and the conquest of Maluco and other
countries. By the papers which the governor sent in
regard to the agreement that I had made with the
said Captain Estevan Rodriguez, your Majesty will
find that he is obliged to conclude the pacification
and settlement, and maintain everything for one year,
at his own expense. Your Majesty gave him the
government and a certain repartimiento for two gen-
erations. He left a very considerable estate with
which to carry out the agreement, and your Majesty
will not go beyond your right in taking charge of it.
There are left here two daughters, his heirs, the elder
being four years old, by whom and their guardians
efforts are being made that the undertaking may be
carried out and aided as far as possible, until they
become of age. To enjoy its control and favors, it
would be well for the estate to be administered from
this city. Upon this point your Majesty will provide
according to the royal pleasure.
The governor persisted in his determination to
carry out the expedition to Camboja, and at the be-
ginning of this year despatched one ship and two
junks, with men, artillery, and ammunition, under
command of Captain Juan Xuarez Gallinato. Thus
far we have received no word whatever from them.
The governor is sending the document referring
thereto; and, although it is rumored that but few
troops were taken by them, in fact two hundred men
left this city, and artifice was used, in order that the
real number should not appear at the departure.
They had, in truth, gone ahead some days earlier and
awaited the vessels outside.
At the same time, he sent another expedition to
na nauppon islands
China; birt it tliote Wfbo let out returned here, it
seems as if Ood had, lor tbe fiftsent, closed the door
for that voyafe; aod io it ttaiidi*
This yetr iO omy Cliiacae haw come under pre*
text of tradings that we have been very cautious, and
suspicious of an upriaiiig* For by these expeditions
we have beca left iO gieady in need of troops, that
there was good came to be fearful and on the watch.
I imdertod^ to put tbe Qiiiieie out of the country, and
faf this time more than twelve thousand have em-
barked AboQtttmaiiy more remai&y and much dili*
gence is being observed. They are a people with
whom one nratt live with much watchfulness and
caution, of whidi but litdc has hitherto been exer-
cised. The atfhu been cat down in size, extending
from the border of the fort and royal house by the
garrison, fofttishing a retreat in case of necessity for
the few peofile here and the women and children. In
fact the whole chttige is only setting the city aright;
for the fortifioitions were wrongly planned, froji
beginning.
Your Majesty's exchequer has suffered so much
damage and loss by the mismanagement of the
officials, that, although various gentle means were
taken to relieve and repair it, they were of no effect.
Consequently, when the governor saw himself so
hard pressed, he commenced to investigate the ac-
counts; and the officers are suspended from the
exercise of their duties until the state of their offices
shall be ascertained. They are alike in their bitter
enmities and difficulties with one another, making the
despatch of the matter impossible. The papers arc
sent in order that your Majesty may see what has been
done, and the condition of affairs here at present.
1593-1597] MORGA TO FELIPE II 267
which if investigated thoroughly will be found to
contain other things of much moment in the matter.
Your Majesty will decree in everything what will be
most expedient for your service. I assure your Maj-
esty that had any other means been found of dealing
with the said officials besides the one used, until your
Majesty should be advised thereof, this final measure
would not have been taken -which was necessary,
since no other effectual means were at hand.
Your Majesty has yet in this kingdom a revenue
amply sufficient for all the expenses thereof, if it be
administered with fidelity and care, and if many pres-
ent superfluous expenses be suppressed. There are not
more than a hundred paid soldiers in camp, and six
captains of infantry and their officers draw salaries.
The forts are without garrisons ; but for more than a
year the wardens thereof have been improperly draw-
ing salaries. Your Majesty has no galleys whatever,
and there is one commander, who, though unem-
ployed, draws a yearly salary of eight hundred pesos;
and there are many officers who get a salary in the
same manner. There are many garrisons of soldiers,
sailors, artillerymen, and others in various capacities
who draw pay from your Majesty's exchequer; and
they are of no service, nor will they ever in their lives
be of any use, except as servants and attendants upon
the officers and other persons, who pay them from
your Majesty's revenues. In this way much of your
Majesty's revenue is being spent and wasted. It
would be necessary to institute a reform, and to make
many investigations of the accounts of your Majesty's
debtors and the collectors of your Majesty's revenue,
in order to regain much property which is lost.
Every day more will be wasted unless your Majesty
268
THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS
[VoLg
orders a speedy remedy, with punishment of the
guilty, which shall senT as a warning for the future.
In the meanwhile much suffering will be felt here,
as at present; and even a large part of your Majesty's
estate in Nueva Bspana will not suffice to meet the
needs here.
There arc very few in these islands capable of
handling the arquebus, although they used to be the
best and most skilful soldiers in the Yndias. The
cause of this is thit they have so devoted themselves
to trade that they have no desire for anything else.
Nevertheless, your Majesty ordered, in the instruc-
tions given to Gomez Perez, when he came here to
govern, that those who drew pay from your Majesty
as fighting men thould not be allowed to trade.
Afterward in a clluse of the letter of January, 1593,
replying to another of his, your Majesty ordered the
same thing. This has not been complied with, how-
ever, and as the captains and higher officers are rich
and rewarded by their salaries and grants, it is not,
just that they be merchants, as is the case. They are
80 diverted from military exercise that they are as
useless as if they were in Toledo; and elsewhere
they engross, by their large shipments, the space re-
quired for the merchandise and freight of the citizens.
Your Majesty therefore spends the revenue on them
and their soldiers uselessly; and it is necessary that
this be corrected, in order that affairs may return to
their normal condition.
The city was sufficiently supplied with public en-
dowments, because in addition to what the governor
held, he made a grant to it, in the name of your Maj-
esty, of the shops and rents of a new parian, which had
been built after my arrival for the Chinese, outside
I593-I597] MORGA TO FELIPE II 269
the walls, on the border of Sant Gabriel. Conse-
quently there comes in from the property more than
four thousand pesos annually, which is fully sufficient
for necessary expenses, and in the future should be
used for public buildings, which are needed. None
such have ever been attempted, except the wall and
fortifications which were built by the governor
Gomez Perez. In respect to the traffic of the citizens
of these islands and the administration of their com-
merce, your Majesty made suitable provisions by a
decree of the same month of January, ninety-three.
This is as is necessary; and since the returns from all
the merchandise from Nueva Spafia come to them
without limitation, there is left them no just ground
for complaint. When I came here I found that, al-
though the said decree is so precise, the execution of it
was so far forgotten here that, when I took steps for
its observance, it was ill received, as will appear by
the accompanying reports thereof. Nevertheless,
the execution of the decree will be attended to on my
part, until your Majesty may decree otherwise.
There is no doubt that by this is decreed what is ex-
pedient for this kingdom; and if the officials took
proper care to execute your Majesty's orders, these
difficulties would be obviated. But, as I have before
written, it is not done with due exactness.
Governor Don Luis Perez Dasmarifias was daily
expecting a change in this government and his re-
moval, and owing to this and his mildness of dispo-
sition, affairs in general suffer. Although he is a
man of good intentions and of much virtue, he is
governed in everything by the friars, and particularly
by the Dominicans, who are enjoying this favorable
opportunity and make use of it to advance their own
270 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [VoLg
interests and those of their friends. The youth and
ioexpericnce of the governor does not permit of any-
thing else. Now with the news that your Majesty is
to send Don Francisco Tello to this government, it
seems as if everything would take on new life; for^ if
there is more delay, it would be at the cost of the
service of your Majesty, and the welfare of these
islands. Everything has declined greatly from the
condition in which matters were left by his father;
and although I have done what I could it is but little^
on account of my slight and inadequate authority.
Nevertheless, some of the most important things have
been looked after with more spirit than at first The
people of this land cannot be pleased with everything,
for they arc fond of liberty; and for this reason there
arc some complaints. But 1 endeavor only to further
the service of God and of your Majesty, not to consult
their tastes or to manage affairs so that they may write
to your Majesty in approbation of me. As things
have happened, there may be a lack of persons to
approve my proceedings; but this does not vex mc,
because I expect that, with God's help, time will
show the truth ; and no other reward is needed than
to satisfy your Majesty, as is my earnest desire.
The jurisdiction of your Majesty in this kingdom
is so hampered by that of the ecclesiastics that on no
occasion can we have our own way. As there is no
one to withstand them much damage is experienced ;
and we see ourselves in great troubles and hardships,
tied hand and foot, because the ecclesiastics and reli-
gious interfere in everything. They rebel against and
hinder the accomplishment of your Majesty's com-
mands ; and even among themselves they have many
dissensions and disagreements. It is a pitiable state of
I593-I597] MORGA TO FELIPE II TJl
affairs, and even if it were for no other purpose than
to moderate these excesses and licenses of powerful
persons, it would be best to have here the royal Audi-
encia, which your Majesty ordered to be suppressed.
I beseech your Majesty, as I likewise urged from
Nueva Spafia, in the report which your Majesty
already has, that in case the royal Audiencia is not
reestablished, a remedy be provided. There should
be someone to oppose the ecclesiastics in a land so far
away from the Audiencia of Mexico ; for, no matter
what question is sent there for decision, at least two
years must elapse before despatches can be returned.
The bishop is very much missed in this land by
all the ecclesiastics; and it would be very beneficial
for the future if he should come this year with the
arms sent from Nueva Spafia. May God bring them,
although they are already late in arriving. If they
should fail to come, great need would be felt every-
where. All these islands are now pacified, and the
only need is for ministers of the gospel, on account
of the many heathen who are without instruction.
Many of the Spaniards who people the land and come
here for its defense, die here. Thus we are in need,
as I have said.
The college ** founded by the fathers of the Society
for the education of Spaniards in this city, at the
expense of your Majesty's exchequer, is now closed,
by the new contract which was made with Captain
Estevan Rodriguez de Figueroa regarding the pat-
ronage which was given him from this house and
** Figueroa, " before leaving Iloilo, made his will, endowing
the Jesuit college at Manila with two thousand pesos of income;
and directed that in case his daughters should die their inherit-
ance should pass to that college of San Jose " (Montero y Vidal's
Pirateria en Mindanao^ i, p. 140).
272 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
college- According to the wish of your Majesty, this
work was changed into a college for natives which
they wished to found. The same income of one
thousand pesos a year has been assigned them, in
addition to the fourth of the tribute paid where there
is no instruction, and other sums from similar sources.
I think it would be well to further this work; for be-
sides the receiving of a good education by the sons of
natives, which would strengthen them greatly in the
things of the Christian religion and right living, it
would be a hidden blessing to have the sons of the
principal natives in this college, for our safety is
thereby assured on any occasion whatever. The
papers in this matter are sent, in order that your Maj*
esty may have provision made according to your
pleasure.
At the beginning of this year, a galleon arrived
at these islands from Piru^ and later a small fragata
in its convoy, wherein it appears that Adelantado Al-
varo de Mendafia h^d set nut from Piru in April of
last year to discover the western islands in the South-
em Sea. This he did not succeed in doing, and lost
his flagship and afterward another fragata. He
formed a settlement on another island near Nueva
Guinea, where the men quarreled among themselves,
and the said adelantado died with many of his peo-
ple." His wife inherited that settlement, and arrived
at these islands in great need and after many hard-
ships, where she married Don Fernando de Castro,
cousin of the governor, and returned to Piru with her
*^ See Discovery of the Solomon Islands (Hakluyt Soc publica-
tions, 2d series, nos. 7, 8; London, 1901) ; this contains Menda-
fia's and other narratives of his expeditions in the southern Pacific
Ocean.
I593-I597] MORGA TO FELIPE II 273
ship. I am sending your Majesty the report of the
matter which has been received, and an account of
their voyage and adventures, which are therein stated
at greater length.
After such long voyages I am left in very poor
health, and with little hope of recovery, on account of
the climate of this country. I am very poor and
spent, with fewer children than those I brought with
me, for they have died on the way. Therefore I
strongly desire that your Majesty grant me grace if it
be possible, and permit me to go to Espafia, and be
pleased to provide for this garrison. With this I
should feel well paid and satisfied after all my
hardships and wanderings. Even though I do
not deserve the rewards of my predecessors, I shall
live content in returning to my home and fire-
side, God willing, to give your Majesty a true ac-
count of the many things I have seen, and of what
would be best for the better service of your Majesty.
I humbly beseech your Majesty to grant me this favor
as soon as possible. May our Lord preserve for many
years the royal person of your Majesty, as is necessary
to Christendom and your Majesty's servants. Manila,
July 6, 1596.
Dr. Antonio de Morga
LETTER FROM FRANCISCO TELLO TO
FELIPE II
Sire:
Through God's help, 1 entered the channel of these
islands on the third of June of this present year, 1596.
As the weather was bad, it was was necessary for me
to make port at Ybalon, where I was forced to remain
several days, because of contrary winds. Consider-
ing that this condition of affairs might endure longer,
I determined to go overland to Manila; and did so,
although with considerable hardship, as the country
was completely overflowed on account of the heavy
rains. However, I derived some advantage from
this, for I thus saw a portion of the country and its
products. It was of advantage in enabling me to
master the affairs of the country, and to know what
things it is advisable to provide to put it in good con-
dition. I entered Manila on the fourteenth of July.
As this letter is being written only three days after my
arrival in this city, I cannot inform your Majesty
thoroughly of the condition of this community. But
my first sight of it has honestly pleased me very much.
God and your. Majesty must be thanked fervently,
that in lands so remote and obscure the name and
religion of God exists, and the authority and power of
your Majesty; and this with so great hopes and dispo-
1593-1597] TELLO TO FELIPE II 275
sition of being able to work great things, worthy the
royal soul and heart of your Majesty. For this object
I think we shall need troops, arms, and money, which
is the common strength. Also I found the colony
somewhat weak both in its forces and in the faulty
system and arrangement of its fortifications. I found
also great need of royal buildings, and buildings for
the cabildo, a slaughter-house, a prison, clean streets,
and other public works. This may be because of the
smallness of means. I shall remedy what I can, and
give your Majesty a more detailed account of it later.
I find this kingdom safe from all fears of the Jap-
anese at present, although not from the swarms of
Chinese who resort hither in a haphazard and disor-
derly manner, unless we maintain the caution and
foresight demanded by the little trust that we can
place in their companionship and fidelity.
In respect to the person of Don Luys Perez Das-
marifias, whom I found acting as governor, I assure
your Majesty that all his thought and life is dedicated
to God and virtue. However, in matters of govern-
ment I do not know what will be the outcome of some
things, which I find very confused and remiss. I
shall give you a more detailed account of them in a
later letter, for now this vessel is on the point of sail-
ing, and is outside the port.
The archbishop of this country remained in
Mexico. This does not fail to cause a want, because
of the great scarcity of prelates here.
I hear that the trade of this country, upon which its
perpetuation chiefly depends, has greatly decreased,
not only on account of the low prices of merchandise
in Mexico, and the unprofitable exchanges and other
misfortunes suffered by commerce, but also because
276 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [VoL 9
of the numerous impoiitions and duties levied; so
that I find this community much discouraged and
disheartened. I shall try to repair this as well as
possible, and will give your Majesty a more detailed
account, both in this matter and in what concerns the
two communities of Indians and Chinese^ and what-
ever else there is to relate.
A founder of artillery is very much needed here.
I entreat your Majesty to have one provided, as well
as the fifty farmers mentioned in your Majesty's in-
structions. Above all, I entreat your Majesty, since
this new plant and undertaking depends so much
upon your Majesty in person, that you wiJl have the
kindness to consent to have soldiers sent to us an-
nually; for, Sire, the hospital (where many die) takes
its share every year, and another part is taken by
certain expeditions and rcenforcements that are sent
out As for those who are leftj your Majesty should
consider, if the ship from Mexico fails to come for
even one year, how surrounded by so many fears of
enemies is this country; Therefore I beseech your
Majesty to order that the viceroy of Mexico shall be
careful to provide troops each year, and that they be
sent armed, of which there is little care.
As Captain Estcban Rrodriguez died while pacify-
ing Mindanao, and left it almost reduced, and settled
with about two hundred Spaniards^ and as the country
was being brought to your Majesty's obedience, it
will be desirable for your royal service to continue
the work. From what I have learned in these few
days, I believe that your Majesty will be served by
ordering that this pacification be continued at the
expense of the heir of Esteban Rrodriguez, and with
the latter's possessions^ as they arc sufficient, until the
1593-1597] TELLO TO FELIPE II 277
agreement be completely fulfilled. By so doing your
Majesty's treasury will be eased, and I think the re-
ward of this work will be obtained by him who most
deserves it -namely, the successor of the man who
perished in it, since he left it to him, although he did
not name him. It only remains for your Majesty
to be pleased to declare, in favor of this kingdom, the
subordination of that pacification to this one, since the
latter proceeds from the former, and is, as it were,
filial to it. There are other conveniences and argu-
ments that favor this plan ; and in the contrary plan
there are many inconveniences, of which I understand
that your Majesty is advised by these vessels. Now
in the meantime, I am considering what it will be
best to provide in the service of God, and of your
Majesty, whom may our Lord preserve, etc. Manila,
July 17, 1596.
Since the above was written, news has come of the
expedition [to Camboja] which was made here.
It is not such as we wished to hear, for of the
three vessels that were taking part in it, one [illegible
in MS.] a storm, and fell into the hands of the king
of Cian. No news has been heard of the two others,
although it is believed that Captain Gallinato still
remains [illegible in MS.].
According to my understanding, it is very desirable
that there always be galleys in this land for defense
from its ills, and the conservation of its reputation
from so many enemies by whom we are surrounded.
Inasmuch as those here are found to be quite dilapi-
dated and useless, I have deemed it fitting to your
Majesty's service to build three or four.
Don Francisco Tello
DOCUMENTS OF 1597
Pacification of Mindanao. Juan de Ronquillo; May
10.
Memorial on navigation and conquest. Hernando de
los Rios ; June 27.
Letter to Felipe II. L. P. Dasmariftas; June 28.
Sources: All these dooiments are obtained from original
MSS. in the Archivo general de Indias, Sevilla.
Translations : The first document is translated by James A.
Robertson ; the second, by Robert W. Haight ; the third, by Jos6
M. and Clara M. Asensio.
I
f
h
p
THE PACIFICATION OF MINDANAO
Letter from Juan de Ronquillo to Governor Tello
[This report of Ronquillo's is in places abridged, as
he repeats many of his statements. He set sail (from
Oton) on February 8, 1597, the earliest date possible
after the receipt of supplies. Two virreys had been
sent ahead under Francisco de Torres, with orders
to coast from island to island, in order to avoid the
dangers of the open sea ; they had not yet been heard
from. At the port of La Canela (i. e., "cinnamon;"
modem Cauit) Ronquillo found Captain Juan Pacho,
who had gone for fish and salt for his command ; and,
as the men were scattered in Zamboanga and Ta-
guima, there was a delay of three days in getting them
together. Pilots from these forces were placed in
each vessel to guide the ships to the river. Ronquillo
then embarked on his f ragata and ordered the Sang-
ley vessel and those of the Indian chiefs from Dan-
ganlibor to follow. The brisas or northeasters were
dead ahead, and to avoid the force of the winds he
took his course inside of some islets. The Sangley
vessel did not enter, as its draught was so great that
the navigators feared to make the attempt. Since the
Sangley vessel seemed to be in difficulties, he sent
a captain to it; but he came back with the report that
all was well. Ronquillo then sent directions as to
their course. He had been informed by the sailor
282 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
whom he sent as pilot in the Sangley vessel that there
was water enough in the strait of Mangayao; but, if
this should not be so, they were to keep outside. They
remained outside, and the rest of the fleet sailed safely
on to the point of Las Flechas ("the Arrows"),
twelve leguas from the river (Rio Grande, in Minda-
nao, where the letter was written). The wind being
heavy and the vessels old and deep in the water, he
anchored in a river never before entered, so far as
was known, cutting away trees and branches to do so.
When the fragata was safe, he sent the master-of-
camp for the galleys, which were sinking because of
their rottenness. At the same time a virrey was sent
to look for the Sangley vessel. The virrey returned
without news; and though Ronquillo was very anx-
ious he kept on to the river toward which he was
sailing, all assuring him that he would find the Sang-
ley ship here. A fire was seen at night, apparently a
signal that the vessel would go to La Canela for
water, being unable to make the river because of the
winds. After taking in water they left port, and the
next night the Chinese crew mutinied, and killed the
Spaniards. The Chinese had been disarmed, and
committed the deed with clubs and wooden hatchets.
Ronquillo asserts that all possible care had been
taken. The vessel carried the bulk of their provi-
sions, clothing, tow, and some ammunition. In spite
of this loss the expedition had been very successful.
Upon reaching the river whence he writes, he spent
five days in repairs upon the fleet; and then, after
completing the fort of Tampaca (modern Tabaca)
and storing the ammunition and food in it, he as-
cended the river, leaving a guard of thirty-four men
under Sargento-mayor Diego de Chaves, one of
I593-I597] PACIFICATION OF MINDANAO 283
whose legs had been cut off. The force which went
up the river numbered two hundred and thirty, in-
cluding sailors and gunners. The enemy retired
behind some parapets as soon as the artillery opened
upon them, and brought some artillery to bear on the
flagship (one of the galleys), but could not retard the
Spanish advance. Continuing, Ronquillo writes:]
I answered their fire with so great readiness that I
forced them to withdraw their artillery. But, as if
they were goblins, they remained here behind a bush
or a tree, firing at us, without being seen. Thus did
they keep us busy until one o'clock at night. I re-
mained three days without landing, awaiting the
arrival of Lumaquan-a chief of the tingues [i.^.,
hill-people], the best Indian of this island, and our
best friend -and five hundred Indians, who were
coming to aid us. On the very day of his arrival I
landed in the following order. I formed a square of
twelve ranks of thirteen men each, closing front, side,
and rear guards with halberds and pikes. There were
two captains in the van-guard, one in the rear-guard,
and two at the sides, so that, wherever the enemy
should attack, the soldiers could, by facing about,
fight without at all breaking ranks. I detailed two
files of forty arquebusiers and two captains to go
ahead to discover ambushes. Under cover of their
arquebuses went the pioneers to clear the way. As
I heard, according to reports, that the enemy would
halt upon this day, I went ashore and marched
straight forward at the head of the squadron, at
times going through the ranks to see if anything was
needed. Upon that day, we busied ourselves until
sunset in clearing the way as fully as great toil and
diligence would allow, without the square being
284 ^HE PHILIPPINE ISUNBS fVoL g
thro^Ti into any confusion^ or any man falling out
But a$ we could not come in sight of the fort, I re-
turned to pass the night in the fleet, for until the road
should be open and known^ and its distance, I did not
care to land my artillery, as 1 had so few men. Be-
sides those who were clearing the path, 1 had no men
10 fire the artillery. Immediately on the following
day I continued my plans in the same order As one
of my legs pained me^ because of a fall backward two
days previously down the hatchway of the galley -
and by good luck I did not break my neck -from
which 1 am still suffering, I did not go ashore. Also,
I thought that, since the enemy had not attacked us in
the most dangerous places, they would not do so in
places not to their advantage* Thus the path was
cleared^ upon this day, without encountering any
enemy or sighting their fort Again the men re-
turned to the fleet for the night On the third day,
as the work of rcconnoitering was proceeding, a large
ambuscade of Indians attacked us in the open near a
palm-grove. As was learned later, they numbered
about two thousand. They attacked us with the
greatest fury and determination, in small bodies of
skilful troops. As the soldiers were ordered imme-
diately to form their square, when the enemy arrived
in front of it, and saw it so well ordered and bristling
with halberds, they did not dare to break it, but
turned and fled. In the assault five of their men were
killed with arquebus-shots, and several others
wounded. Among those killed were two of their
bravest and most esteemed men. One was from
Terrenate and was a casts " who instructed them in
*'A title given among Mahometans to certain persons of re-
ligious profession.
I593-I597] PACIFICATION OF MINDANAO 285
their religion. Of a truth, they showed clearly that
they were brave ; for I do not believe that there are
many peoples who would attack with so gallant a de-
termination, when they were armed with nothing but
shields and canpilans. They killed five of my
Indians who were clearing the path, who did not use
good judgment in retiring. This took place quite
near their fort. As soon as I was advised of this oc-
currence, for I had not gone ashore on this day also,
I sent at once as many men as possible from the gal-
leys, with axes, shovels, spades, and wicker baskets.
I ordered them to entrench themselves in as advanced
a position as possible.
They commenced to attack the fort. The enemy
begged for peace on the second day^^ The next day
I landed my artillery, and went with it to attack the
enemy's fort. As the distance was quite great, I
moved my entrenchments nearer twice, and with
great difficulty, for the enemy never ceased shooting
at us. They wounded three gunners and several other
men ; surely they were very lucky shots. Finally I
planted my battery of eight pieces somewhat over
one hundred paces from the fort. Although I bat-
tered the fort hotly, I could not effect a breach
through which to make an assault. All the damage
that I did them by day, they repaired by night. Im-
mediately on the following day they began to call
from their walls. When I asked them what they
wanted they said that they wished to be friends. I
was very short of ammunition, for I had only three
thousand arquebus-bullets left, and very few cannon-
** This and other italic headings to paragraphs in this document
are, in the original MS., marginal notes in another handwriting -
probably made by a clerk, for convenience of reference.
286 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [VbLg
balls; and both would be speot in one day's fighting,
during which, should we not gain the fort, wc would
be lost - and with no power to defend ourielves while
withdrawing our artillery and camp- At the same
time, I rcconnoitered the fort and its situation, for it
is located at the entrance of a lagoon, thus having
only water at the back, and swampy and marshy
ground at the sides. It has a frontage of more than
one thousand paces, is furnished with very good trans-
versals, and is well supplied with artillery and ar-
quebuses. Moreover, it has a ditch of water more
than four brazas wide and two deep, and thus there
was a space of dry ground of only fifteen paces where
it was possible to attack; and this space was bravely
defended} and with the greatest force of the eneiny.
The inner parts were water, where they sailed in ves-
sels^ while we had no footing at alL Again, I reflected
that those who had awaited us so long, had waited
with the determination to die in defense of the fort;
and if thcv should see the contest ending unfavorably
for them, no one would prevent their flight. Fur-
ther, if they awaited the assault it would cost me the
greater part of my remaining ammunition, and my
best men ; while, if the enemy fled, nothing would be
accomplished, but on the contrary a long, tedious, and
costly war would be entered upon. Hence, with the
opinion and advice of the captains I negotiated for
peace; and told them that I would admit them to
friendship under the following conditions:
Treaty of peace and conditional covenants
First, that first and foremost, they must ofiFer hom-
age to his Majesty, and pay something as recognition.
Obligation to return their prisoners to his Maj-
1593-1597] PACIFICATION OF MINDANAO 287
esty. That all the natives who had been taken from
the Pintados Islands last year, must be restored.
To break friendship with Terrenate. That they
must break the peace and confederation made with
the people of Terrenate, and must not admit the latter
into their country.
Friendship with those who were friends formerly.
That they must be friends with Danganlibor and
Lumaquan, chiefs of this island, who have rendered
homage to his Majesty; and must not make war on
any of their vassals.
That all the chiefs must go to live in their old
villages.
They accepted all the conditions, and Raxa Mura,
Sala, Silonga, and the other chiefs swore to keep the
peace on these conditions, and paid homage to his
Majesty, paying a certain sum in gold as recognition.
Inasmuch as they had taken the Vizcayans whom
they had enslaved to a great distance, so that they
should not escape, they paid another like sum of gold
as pledges that they would deliver them to the Span-
iards. As the friendly Indians said that the end for
which I was making peace was, under pretext of it, to
seize the chief men and hang them and separate them
from the others, the chiefs did not venture to come
immediately. However, they said that when they
should ascertain our treaty, and if our purpose was
not as aforesaid, they would come. Although such
a thing had not even entered my mind, as I shall not
make any promises in his Majesty's name that cannot
be fulfilled, it was true that the friendly Indians said
it; for they wished to break the peace, in order to see
if they could not rob these people at our cost
After making this treaty and securing this result
288 THE PHIUFFINE ISLANDS fVoL 9
(which, of a truths your Lordship may regard as
most fcliciious and of great importance, and as the
beginning of much good ) , I retired to my fleet. Next
day the chiefs came to the river- bank, and I made
them friends with Danganlibor and Lumaquan, and
they embraced each other. Some of them boarded
the galleys, and began thus to lose their fear grad-
ually. Already some of the chiefs have started to go to
their villages J and have coUccted their people in order
to settle them* I hope, God willing, that everything
will assume a settled and quiet condition* And albeit
that my toil and my service rendered to your Lord-
ship in this affair do not equal my desire, still your
Lordship can represent it to his Majesty* as one of
the greatest that have been rendered in these islands.
I am not going to leave them; so, when any greater
opportunity arises, your Lordship may entrust it to
me* I assert that if this occasion had not had the
almost unexpected favorable ending, and if our Lord
had not evidently been pleased to lend His aid, your
Lordship would suffer great anxiety and all the
islands would be in great straits ; for, with the alliance
that they had formed with Terrenate, there would be
no safety in the entire district.
[The victorious troops were in the greatest need.
There were many messes of four or five with only one
shirt among them, which they wore by turns. There
was only ammunition enough for two hours. There
was only rice enough to allow fifteen gantas a month
to Spaniards and ten to Indians; and even this ration
would only last till the end of August. They had no
meat or fish. Ronquillo had ^^ set a dragnet," and
taken the rice of all the people within reach, begin-
ning with himself. Then he sent out officers in f ra-
1
I593-I597] PACIFICATION OF MINDANAO 289
gatas to search for rice, giving them four hundred
pesos for the purpose, and directing them to pay as
long as the money lasted, and then to take provisions
in any way in which they could get them. Tliey
were, if necessary, to use force to obtain supplies from
encomenderos or Indians, for their pay giving them
orders on the charges of the land (situado)^ or the
tribute, or to be paid when possible. As for the other
parts of the island, the very chiefs were perishing of
hunger, because of the war, and came daily to beg
for rice. This they received, in order that they might
be bound to the Spaniards. Accordingly Ronquillo
asks for assistance and supplies from Manila until the
stress should be over in Mindanao. He gives honor-
able mention to his officers and troops, many of whom
were wounded. He looks forward to great difficul-
ties as soon as any attempt shall be made to collect
tributes. The leading chiefs collect tribute from
their vassals; and the only demand hitherto has been
for open friendship and the recognition of the
sovereignty of Spain. If these men - Raxa Mura,
Sala, Silonga, and Lumaquan - are now told that they
must not collect tribute, but that all the tribute must
be paid to his Majesty and to individuals, " it will be
a very bitter draught for them to swallow." These
Indians, Ronquillo says, are not like those in Luzon,
but are accustomed to power and sovereignty. Some
collect five or six thousand tributes. If the tributes
are to be collected, two hundred more soldiers and a
large quantity of ammunition will be necessary, or
much additional time. The troops have not been
paid what Figueroa owed them; and it is plain that
no profit is to be expected in the island for a long time
to come. When it does come, the encomenderos.
290 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [Votg
who have fraudulently remained at leisure in Manila,
will get it Hen(^ the soldiers have petitioned that
the property of Figucroa in the island be sold and the
proceeds applied to their payment. Fourteen hun-
dred pesos of worked silver was sold ; and the soldiers
received six pesos each. The captains also asked and
received some compensation. The discontent was so
great that Ronquillo declares that no resolution can
command men so ragged and starving^ penniless and
unpaid; and that they are already saying that they
cannot cat good words. He concludes this section by
asking for twenty thousand pesos and eight hundred
Indian rowers, and for some exchanges of his men,]
That the country is not such as it has been painted,
and not so excellent as has been reported. Hitherto
it has not been possible to tetl your Lordship anything
certain of this country, except that it will be of but
Uttle advantage to his Majesty, but a source of great
expense. It has far fewer inhabitants than was re-
ported, and all are very poor, so that their breakfast
consists only in cleaning their arms^ and their work
in using them, and not in cultivating the land, which
is low and swampy in this river. There is no chief
who can raise twenty taes of gold. Rice is very
scarce ; in the tingues is found a small amount, which
is used for food by the chiefs only. They are some
swine, and a few fowls that are very cunning, and less
fruit. It abounds in fish in some districts, but this
river contains only eels. They are as good as those
of Espafla. They are not found all the year round,
but only during the rainy season. The climate docs
not differ much from that there. It has very dense
fogs. I have been unable to make a complete map
of the island. I am sending your Lordship only that
I593-I597] PACIFICATION OF MINDANAO 291
of this river, made with exactness, with ail its arms
and estuaries, and their settlements. The arithmet-
ical symbols represent the number of people in each,
and the letters the names of the chiefs. I have cor-
rected it with all care. We have already examined
almost everything from the coast of La Canela, Dapi-
tan, and Botran [Butuan?]. There is a full report
there which may be filed with this map.
The island of Matheo is excellent, and a better ex-
pedition could be made there. Concerning the
island of Matheo, I have been able to learn from men
who have been there that it is very fertile, thickly
populated, and rich in food products, including rice.
The inhabitants are not very warlike. Would to God
that your Lordship had expended there what was left
here, for with less effort we would have gained more.
Terrenate has some dealings with this island. [I
say this] in case anything is to be done before it has
more. Of Maluco I have not ascertained anything
new, except that things are in their usual condition.
He has not effected a settlement, as he has not found
a convenient site. He is awaiting the pleasure of
your Lordship, and [fl more favorable^ season. As
yet I have not effected any settlement, as I have not
found a suitable and convenient location for it, for all
the river above is swampy ; and, if wc were to look for
dry land along its course, it is so far away that it
would take a week to reach it from the mouth of the
river. Although beyond this river, toward La Ca-
nela, there is a good place for a settlement, yet it is not
advisable to leave this river now until matters are
more settled and quiet. This river is the residence of
the chief men of the island. Accordingly I shall wait
the result of this rainy season ; and if the discomfort
292 THE PHIUPPINE ISLANDS [VoLg
be not too great, I shall settle on the site where I am
now established, which is in a very good position, and
here I shall await your Lordship's decision.
That the Indians are warlike and have fortified
themselves, with their forces now there, and others
that they will collect, when the proposal is made that
they must pay tribute. Hence, reinforcements of
soldiers, ammunition and food are necessary, and
time. Although things have so fortunate a begin-
ning as I have related, it is by way of peace. All the
chiefs retain their full complements of artillery and
arquebuses, so that, whenever they wish to defend
themselves, they may do so. Beyond any doubt, on
the day that tribute is demanded from them, not only
our new friends, but Danganlibor and Lumaquan as
well, who rendered homage of their own free will,
will rebel. For the speedy subjection of them all, we
need a large force. Hence I repeat to your Lord-
ship, in order that you may not be deceived by certain
opinions of persons who have not seen this region for
many years - for it is not as of yore, and they did not
know it, and the inhabitants are Indians only in name
- that a great force of soldiers is needed, as well as
ammunition, in order to make them pay tribute.
This matter is of prime importance. I would not be
complying with my obligation unless I entreated your
Lordship to consider this matter deeply. You should
consider whether this enterprise must be given up or
sustained, for it is very costly, and we must not allow
odds to be taken of us when we have our best oppor-
tunity. Thus I think that we can finish this matter
at one time, and that your Lordship should send two
hundred men in one summer. With this number we
can overrun all districts, take away the natives' artil-
I593-I597] PACIFICATION OF MINDANAO 293
lery, and collect tribute. This manner of proceeding
would be very economical.
All the men, counting those maimed, number two
hundred and sixty. The number of men that I found
in this island and those who should be brought from
Zibu fell far short of what I expected. All that I
could gather together - gunners, sailors, and maimed
men -do not number more than two hundred and
sixty-four men. Some of them have died. I am
sending there the crippled and maimed, who are use-
less, so that I shall have left in this river a trifle above
two hundred men, many of whom are sick, because of
past hardships and their wretched existence.
That medicines and delicacies be provided. The
master-of-camp is sick, and I fear lest, with the ad-
vance of the rainy season, the sickness will continue
to increase; for it cannot be alleviated by medicines
and delicacies, because we have none. This is a great
pity. I entreat your Lordship to have medicines and
some delicacies provided for the sick, and clothing
for the hospital.
That religious are not going there to furnish in-
struction. Father Chirinos ** came to this island with
^^ When Figueroa began the conquest of Mindanao (1596) he
was accompanied thither by two Jesuits -Juan del Campo, a
priest ; and Caspar Gomez, a lay brother. The former was carried
off by a fever, dying on August 10, 1596, at the age of thirty
years, after little more than a year's stay in the islands. In his
place, Juan de Sanlucar and Pedro de Chirino accompanied Ron-
quillo's expedition in the following year. Sanlucar entered the
Jesuit order in 1570, and came to the Philippines in time to join
the Mindanao expedition; he died at Palipag, April 26, i6i2.
Pedro de Chirino entered the Jesuit order in 1580, and arrived
at Manila ten years later. He died there on September 16, 1635,
at the age of seventy-eight His noted work, ReUcion de las Islas
Filipinos (Roma, 1604), will be presented in subsequent volumes
of this series. La Gmcepdon says of him {Hist, de Pkilipinas^
V, p. 198) : " A man of great industry and of studious habits,
294 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [VoLg
the sargcn to- mayor, and on his first sight of it was
so discontented that for no other reason, he turned his
back upon it, and was in so great a hurry to return
that he declared that if a vessel were not given him
immediately in which to leave, he would swim away.
He went away speaking ill of this place, and has
caused great annoyance and wrong to these poor sol-
diers. If a religious who ought to be happy with a
hard life, and who ought to seek hardships in which
to serve God better^ refused those which might be
o fie red him here, the soldiers, who are less perfect
and less filled with God, will do but little. Father
Juan de Sanlucar asked me for leave likewise to go
there with this vessel, in order to go to get a com*
panion^ as he could not stay here alone. I did not
grant it him. If the fathers of the Society arc to have
this place in charge, it will be right for them to send
religious. If not^ then they should say so, and your
Lordship should request the ecclesiastical govern-
ment to provide ministers. The one here at present
has labored to our great approbation and has set a
good example. But he is greatly grieved at being
alone, and he is not without reason, for he has no one
to whom to make his confession.
The ration given to these people is so small that it
can only be endured in times of great stress. Indeed
it is doubtful whether a Spaniard could live on only
one-half ganta of rice, without anything else; and
even the Indian is unable to do so without having
some fish with it. For the future we need abundance
of provisions; for, as I have noted, we cannot expect
this land to furnish them, because it does not have
who devoted to study and books all the time which was not oc-
cupied by his ministry to souls."
I593-I597] PACIFICATION OF MINDANAO 295
any. Your Lordship must have them provided in
accordance with the accompanying memorandum.
That it is advisable to send hither the encomen-
deros, and from there to give the soldiers and captains
some gratification and pay. All the captains and
soldiers of this camp perform their duties grumbling-
ly, since the encomenderos enjoy the fruits of their
labor. Through false representations the encomen-
deros have remained behind^ instead of coming here
on this pacification. If each encomendero has to live
on his encomienda^ and the heirs of Estevan Rodri-
guez in some part of the island^ there is nothing left
for the captains and soldiers. The owners should
come, therefore, to reduce their encomiendas to sub-
jection, since they take the gain. They do not go very
far upon the road, and it is not a good argument to say
that each one will pacify his own encomienda ; for so
long as this river is unpacified, nothing is pacified.
Your Lordship should order all of them, without any
exception, to come in person, and to bring some sol-
diers at their own cost, with sufficient food for a year's
maintenance. In this way, something will be done ;
for an encomienda cannot be pacified with only one
soldier, paid by an encomendero. I entreat your
Lordship to decide quickly upon the course to be
taken, and, with the same haste, to send me imme-
diate advice by a birey. The route is open, and the
virey can come here any time in June ; thus I may be
advised in advance of your Lordship's orders as to the
course to pursue here, and this needy people may be
encouraged with the hope of speedy relief. Your
Lordship should write to them, thanking them for
their labors, and encouraging them with their pay, to
continue their work. May God preserve your Lord-
296 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
thip many years, with the increase of dignities that
we your servants desire, Tanpaca, May 10, 97.
Your Lordship^s most humble servant
Don Juan Ronquiluo
lEndorsed: *- MindaoaOi 1597- General Don
Juan Rronquilla"]
The campaign
The sargento-mayor of the city of Manila left for
Mindanao on the thirtieth of December of ninety-
six, and arrived at the city of Zebu on the fourteenth
of January. He left there for La Caldera" on the
ti^xnty-ninth of the said month, and arrived at La
Caldera on the second of February, where he found
the fleet of Mindanao, which had gone away for lack
of supplies. The whole fleet left La Caldera on the
sixth of said months in the direction of Mindanao;
and on the eleventh Captain Torivio de Misa was
sent forward with a £^alIiot and two lapis, as he sus-
pected that the unfriendly Indians had surrounded
the friendly natives from Tanpacon. On the four-
teenth he sent Sargento-mayor Diego de Chaves with
two galleys, and other light vessels, to follow up
Torivio de Miranda; and he remained behind with
the three f ragatas, which, as they were heavy vessels,
could not follow the rest of the fleet.
On the fifteenth of December, Captain Graviel
Gonzales, who was on board one of the lapis which
accompanied Torivio de Miranda, was drowned
while passing Las Flechas, at the edge of the river of
^ La Caldera, " the Caldron "- a port in the extreme south-
west of Mindanao, not far from Zamboanga; its primitive name,
Cauite.
I593-I597] PACIFICATION OF MINDANAO 297
Mindanao. On the seventeenth. Captain Torivio de
Miranda entered the river, where he found that the
enemy had drawn a blockade about our friends of
Tanpacon, and had killed more than seventy of them;
but at his arrival they raised the blockade, and re-
tired to their fort in flight.
On the eighth of January, Captain Chaves arrived
with his fragatas at the river, and on the twelfth
planned and founded the fort of Tanpacan near this
settlement of our friends. On the twenty-fifth, the
sargento-mayor sailed for the river of Simay to cap-
ture certain vessels belonging to the enemy, in which
they were going to seek aid from Terrenate. During
a certain battle which they had there with the enemy,
he had a leg cut off, well toward the thigh, and re-
cived a shot in the helmet above the ear. One of his
comrades, who was fighting at his side, had his right
leg cut off. On the tenth of March, the master-of-
camp arrived ; and, on the twenty-first. General Don
Juan Ronquillo.
On the tenth of April the enemy's fleet came up,
and on the seventeenth they landed, sweeping along
the allies in front of them, together with forty arque-
busiers, who were escorting them in their line, and
on their right wing. A few days ago the enemy made
an attack from ambuscade, with more than two thou-
sand men. They came, on, closing in until they
reached the squadron, where they encountered the
resistance of arms to their advance, and retired flee-
ing. They left some of their bravest dead, together
with a few Terrenatans, without doing any damage
to us, except killing five Visayans. Accordingly our
squadron, which consisted of a hundred and sixty-nine
men, on the fourth day intrenched themselves as best
THE PHILIPPINE: ISLANDS
iyoL9
they coutd; and little by tittle moved the intrench-
ments forward until they were a hundred and sixty-
six paces (rom the enemy. During this time the
enemy defended themselves with a park of small ar-
tillery and two large gum. On the twcnt)- fifth, the
general sent to consult Sargento-mayor Diego de
ChavcSf who was in the Beet; and by his opinion a tra-
verse was built as a half -moon, where were stationed
seven pieces of artillery, with which they battered
the fort of the enemy.
On the twenty-eighth, when the enemy saw the
damage which our artillery was doing them^ they
rendered obedience and sued for peace; and on the'
twenty-ninth peace was agreed upon with the follow-
ing conditions: They were to return the Visayan
slaves whom they hold, and pay tribute, and must
not receive Terrcnatans in their country. They were
to give obedience to his Majesty, and the chiefs were
to give oath ; and in pledge of this they gave a golden
chain. They are all going back to their villages, and
gathering up the Visayan slaves. It will be well to
reenforce the Spaniards with troops and money this
year, so that matters may remain setded and they
shall not try to create a disturbance again.
MEMORIAL ON NAVIGATION AND
CONQUEST
[This memorial, addressed to Felipe II by Her-
nando de los Rios, is prefaced by a letter from Luis
Perez Dasmariflas, as follows :]
Sire : In these islands resides a person named Her-
nando de los Ryos, a colonel, a man of much informa-
tion concerning important matters, and particularly
learned in mathematics and astrology, and possessed
of such virtue and such uprightness of life, and so
zealous and desirous of the service of God and your
Majesty, and of the common welfare, that I know
not if there be a man in these parts to exceed him in
this; and may it please our Lord to give us many
who shall succeed in being so disinterested in worldly
things and earthly claims. At any rate, in the secu-
lar estate, in my opinion and perhaps that of many
good men, I know not if you will find in this country,
or even for the most part in others, a man of more
learning, respectability, and virtue, accompanied by
other good qualities and gifts with which God has
graced him, and which are so well employed and
profited by, as in himself. For his sole object is to
serve God and desire his service and that of your
Majesty, and the great good which can be accom-
plished in these regions; and he is not interested in
300 THE PHIUPFINE ISLANDS [VoLg
the occu pa lions and advantages of office, although it
would be well indeed if all those who hold them had
the qualifications that he has for them. At any rate,
he has refused and rejected some of the best offices of
this country^ particularly an offer to be a royal oflScial
o( the royal exchequer of your Majesty, when I de-
sired him to be so during my government, as I under-
stood that he was a fit man for the service of God and
of your Majesty* It w*as impossible, however, to per-
suade him. His intention, as I have understood, is
10 become a priest He has made a very peculiar in-
strument of general usefulness in many curious and
important ways, particularly in navigation^ for get-
ting bearings and taking measurements, which arc
rendered very easy. I do not send one to your Maj-
esty, because he has not finished a book of description
and explanation of this instrument I have persuaded
him to send one to your Majesty, as I also shall do,
as I consider it wxU that your Majesty should have
information of the learning, virtue, and parts which
are found in him, as it may be of use and importance
for the service of God and your Majesty - whom may
our Lord protect many years of life, according to
His power and the desire and need of us all. Ma-
nyla, June27, 1597.
LuYS Perez Das Marinas
Memorial
Indeed, the desire which possesses me of serving
your Majesty and ending my life in your service, as
I am a humble vassal of your Majesty, was too mixed
with awe to allow of this boldness, if Don Luis Perez
de las Marinas, former governor of these islands, had
not encouraged me and persuaded me to give infor-
I593-I597] ON NAVIGATION AND C»NQUEST 30I
mation to your Majesty of several matters concerning
these parts, as a person who has spent nine years here.
I could wish that it was with better reason, if time
had been given me to finish a book which treats of
the use of an astrolabe, very important for the service
of your Majesty, for use in the art of navigation.
This I would send you this year, with an ample re-
lation of various matters, if Don Francisco Tello,
governor of these islands, had not occupied me in
ridding them of a great number of Chinese and Jap-
anese Sangleys, who, under pretense of being mer-
chants, were seeking to remain in this country, and
with whom there is no manner of safety. They know
how to set about so cunningly to gain the good-will
of the citizens that it appears almost impossible, if
your Majesty does not send and order a remedy, to
better the matter here, although I have used all pos-
sible diligence in it. The reason for this is that each
particular citizen defends those whom he needs, as
they are a people who are cunning at all crafts. Ac-
cordingly they keep them in their houses, and hide
them ; so that they sleep inside the city at night, to
the number of about two thousand. There are more
than five thousand who remain this year with the
governor's license in the service of the colony, for
they tell the governor that this is expedient. It ap-
pears to me that three thousand is enough, and even
with this number more care and precaution could
be taken than is done here, and there should be no
more of the infidels. I give this account . . . ^
as a person who has them in his charge, in other mat-
ters touching . . . that which Don Luis Perez
^The original MS. of this document is illegible or torn in
many places: these are indicated by leaders (. • •)•
302 THE PHIUPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
dc las Marinas gives your Majesty ... I have
informed him so that, being so Chrisrian and zealous
a knight in the service of your Majesty, he will give
a Irue and certain relation of alt
With this astrolabe, which, with the aid of God, I
have discovered, can be found the altitude from the
pole, and the latitude of any region whatsoever at any
hour of the day, and at the same time it will tell the
hour, in the same way that it gives directions at night
by any known star, more easily than the mariners
usually take it at midday. Besides this, it also serves
like other astrolabes at midday, to indicate the va-
rious points of the compass, and show and verify with
precision the deviations and deflection of the needle
from the pole. In this way it serves to give the longi-
tude where one is sailing, on whatever parallel to the
equinoctiaL Likewise it shows the position of the
stars, even when all their latitudes [f.^.^ altitudes?]
and declinations are unknown, so easily that even the
most uninstructed can in a short time learn it It is
of use in other curious, useful, and important ways,
for the perfection of this art, which can by its aid be
verified. As it is an article so curious and useful,
the said Luis Perez de las Marinas persuaded me to
give an account of it to your Majesty, with a brief re-
lation and discourse concerning the information
which I have of these parts.
Although your Majesty has so little profit from
these islands, we can see that it is a place of much im-
portance for the service of your Majesty, and the
spread of the most holy Catholic faith, since it has as
neighbors, and surrounding it, many extremely rich
and fertile countries. The disposition of matters is
. . . that they are propitious for your Majesty
1593-1597] ON NAVIGATION AND C»NQUEST 303
easily to make himself master of those lands. Your
Majesty will see that this is so by the relations which
the governor of these islands, and likewise Don Luis
Perez de las Marinas, formerly governor of them,
have sent you.
It is very necessary and expedient that several ex-
peditions and conquests should be made in these parts
for the service of your Majesty in view of the ad-
vantages that the Castilians would gain if they held
a good post on the mainland - such as the kingdom
of Sian, which is very rich and abounds in many
things, and could be conquered and kept with a thou-
sand men, according to everyone who has been there;
or the kingdom of Canboxa, which is seeking our
friendship, and offers to maintain troops at its own
expense, and furnish them to us on occasions when
aid may be necessary; or the kingdom of Chanpa,
which could be conquered and maintained with three
hundred men, and is the pass for this archipelago, and
the key to Cochinchina, which is a very rich and fer-
tile country, and could be conquered with a thousand
or fifteen hundred men. The latter is more to the
east than the said kingdoms between Chanpa and
China, close to these islands, and with everyone
. . . of them on account of the many wars and
enmities, which exist among them, this . . .
would be easy to spread the royal sovereignty of your
Majesty with great ... so that all would seek
for our friendship and alliance; for . . . said,
and with a little shrewdness and cunning a great deal
of it might be gained . . . with our protection
and oversight the ministers and preachers . . .
could spread over all those parts in safety, to convert
those souls and bring such a great multitude of
304 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
heathen to the true knowledge of our Lord God. It
is no little shame to consider that among those peo-
ples, by way of Buraei and other Mahometans the
venom and poison of their false doctrine is being
scattered - although this is of so great importance, as
your Majesty must see by the accounts which are
sent you, and to which I refer.
But for the present the thing which appears very
expedient and necessary, and should be attended to at
once, is to take a port on the island of Hermosa, which
lies distant from the farthest part of this island
(which is the province of Cagaia), thirty-six leagues
in a northwesterly direction. In circumference it
measures about two hundred leagues, and stretches in
the same direction from the twenty-second to the
twenty-fifth degree. From there to the mainland of
China is not more than twenty leagues. ... in-
formed by a person who has been there that it is fertile
and inhabited by a people similar to the natives of
these islands, who rob and kill those who go there in
vessels, as it is the necessary route from China to this
city, from Japon here, and to other parts. The
country is well supplied with provisions. It has few
ports, but there is one which lies at the head of it, on
the side which faces toward Japon, w^hich is very well
formed and strong. It is named Keilang, and at
present has no defense. If three hundred men were
placed there with a fort, all the power of those parts
would not be sufficient to dislodge them; for the en-
trance is very narrow, and with artillery they could
resist any efforts which were made against them. It
is a large port with deep water, and the entrance is
closed by an island on the northeast part, inhabited
by about three hundred Indians. I have sent a care-
Map of islands of Luzon and Hermosa, with part of
China; by Hernando de los Rios Coronel
[From MS. map (dated Manila, June 2^, J597), in Archivo General
de Indias, Sevilla'\
rm^
^
\'A'
*m\ <
1593-1597] ON NAVIGATION AND C»NQUEST 307
fully traced sketch of this to your Majesty with this
letter. The reason why it is very necessary to occupy
this port is for the safety of these islands; for it is
known to a certainty that . . . that if a fort is
built at . . . which is very . . . will be able
to send it from there without great difficulty, and be-
ing installed there, would make us anxious at all
times, and harry the land, without there being any
help for it. For they are a warlike and numerous
people. The other reason is because all the trading
ships which sail for this city from China make land
there, and will not dare sail from their own country.
They are very much afraid of those people, and will
cease their trade with this city, and thus that will be
lost - even more than the great wealth which the ship
" San Felipe " " carried, which arrived in their coun-
try in the past year, ninety-six. That wealth made
them covetous of it; and perhaps their principal in-
tention is to come here and attack these islands. It is
not worthy of the Spanish reputation to allow this
barbarian to use us thus, without experiencing our
power through some injury. It would be a great loss
to him to take that passage from him ; and, for any
purpose that your Majesty may desire, it will be a
very important station; since, if your Majesty sends
a large number of troops by way of Nueva Espafla
or of India, that is so difficult an undertaking, and
entails so much expense and the death of so many.
It is of no less importance to give an account to
^* This ship was wrecked on the coast of Japan, driven thither
by tempests; and its rich cargo was seized by the Japanese. De-
tailed accounts of this event and its consequences are furnished by
Morga in his Sucesos (Haklu3rt Soc trans.), pp. 75-79; Santa
Ines, in the Cronica, ii, pp. 252-272 ; and La Concepdon, in Hist,
de Philipinas, iii, pp. 106-119, 143-148.
308 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
your Ma jetty of two routes which can be explored at
little expense and are short and easy. The first is by
the strait which is called Danian [i. e., Anian],
which lies between the farthest land of China and the
regions of Nueva Espafia , . , a relation which
I [received] there, which was left in manuscript by
Fray Martin de Rada, of the order of St Augustine,
a great mathematician^ of whom your Majesty had
information in this ... of the letter.
A worthy Vizcayan, named Juanes de Ribas, a
native of San Sebastian, told me that while he was
going after whales to Terranova [1. r,, Newfound-
land] he received information that in the year forty-
five some Bretons were carried [by storms] from the
cape of Breton^ which lies about eighty leguas west
of the cape of Bacallaos, which lies in forty-nine or
fifty degrees of latitude. He said that in latitude
fifty-two degrees, after sailing to the northwest a hun-
dred leguas, they encountered a strait. And, accord-
ing to this relation^ some Portuguese came to India
and China; they say that in forty*fivc days they
arrived from Ucheo at Lisboa; and, believing that
the king would show them favor, they gave him an
account of it. But he threw them into prison, and
they died there. One of the Portuguese who went in
that ship afterward came to Nueva Espafta and
accompanied Francisco de Ivarra in the exploration
of Nueva Viscaya.** The said Francisco de Ivarra
intended to go to explore this strait, but there were
difficulties in the way, and they did not accomplish it.
This Vizcayan and the Portuguese became friendly
** Francisco dc Ibarra was a prominent Spanish officer in Mex-
ico (1554-72) ; he subjected to the dominion of Spain the prov-
ince of Copala, which he named Nueva Vizcaya, founding therein
the cities of Durango, Sinaloa, and others.
I593-I597] ON NAVIGATION AND CONQUEST 309
and told to each other what each one had seen and
knew. They said that from the cape of Breton they
go to the northwest until they reach the mainland and
afterwards coast down toward the southwest, as the
coast runs in this direction, and they come upon the
entrance which, although it seems very small, yet is
large and deep. Then sailing to this sea of China to
the west-southwest, they said that at the mouth of the
strait, toward the South Sea as toward the North
Sea, there are many small islands, although more
. . . in the direction of the north, coming from
China outside of . . . which to Manil . . .
The country of China is very high, and wooded with
pine trees and . . . partly lower, also with for-
ests. He said that in the strait they use no wind at all,
but that the currents take them in and float them
through. They said that those who consider that the
island of Bacallao is all one are wrong; for it consists
of several small islands in a chain, reaching to Cape
Gata, which is in sixty-two degrees, and where there
is a deep channel which enters into the great bay.
They say that the point of Vacallaos is in fifty de-
grees, and they run along the coast of this island as
far as Cape Breton, about eighty leguas. Those who
place Cape Breton on the maps should put it on the
same large island, and it lies nearer to the point of
Vacallaos than to Cape Gata.**
^' For accounts of early explorations on North . 'American
coasts, see the following works: On the northeastern coast,
Winsor's 'Narrative and Critical History of America^ iv, pp. 33-
102. On the Pacific coast, H. H. Bancroft's History of the
Northwest Coast^ i, pp. 1-136. Hie voyages mentioned in this
document are regarded by Bancroft as apocryphal. Bacallaos
(" cod-fish ") was an early designation of the island of Newfound-
land, but was afterward extended to the mainland of eastern Can-
ada. The cape of Breton evidendy refers to Cape Breton, on the
island of that name.
3 to THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [VoL ^
It may also be inferred that these seas communi-
cate with each other, because on the coast of Nueva
EspaAa those who are coming from these islands m
forty-two degrees latitude sec a great number of
whales, who must enter by that strait to winter in a
warm climate. Accordingly your Majesty can send
M many troops as you wish in this way with ease, and
become lord of these parts. Although this voyage
being in so high a latitude appears to entail some dif-
ficulty, there will be none, in view of the fact that by
leaving EspaAa at the end of March, when they
arrive in the high latitudes it is the hot season^ and
the days are long and the weather is fair; and the
winds arc brisas, as is necessary. Thus they will
come here very easily, and in the island of Hermosa^
in this port of Kielang, your Majesty may send and
have stationed a considerable fleet, safe and well
provisioned; for the country is fertile, and produc-
tive of food stuffs, rice, meat, and so much fish that
they load every year two hundred ships for China-
especially as the coast of China is so near, where for
money . . . what they wish in abundance; and
also from Japon they can . . . examine.
The other route for navigation is through Nucvo
Mexico, in forty-five degrees of latitude. This was
related to me by a friar named Fray Andres de
Aguirre, of the order of St. Augustine, who died
about three years ago, being prior of the convent of
his order in this city. He was learned in cosmog-
raphy. He said that in his presence, at the time
when Don Luis de Velasco the elder was governor of
Nueva Espafia, a Vizcayan gave an account of this
route, who said that he had seen it while he was sail-
ing with a French pirate. They entered through an
I593-I597] ON NAVIGATION AND CONQUEST 3II
arm of the sea above the main coast opposite Florida,
and after sailing west for many days they found that
the said arm ended in a bay. They saw straightway
a half a league distant another arm of the sea, and
building a brigantine they went through it sailing
for several days, and came upon a very populous
city, where they were furnished with whatever they
needed, and had built for them some wooden houses
on the shore, until, on account of a certain difficulty
which one of them had with a woman, they were
driven out of the country, and went back. From this
it may be inferred that in that region, which they said
lay in forty-five degrees of . . . From here hav-
ing ships there, rather ... of this. Father
Antonio Sedefio, rector of the Society of Jesus of this
city, who died about two years ago, said that it was
told him many times by Pero Melendez in Florida.**
These two explorations will be very easy to make,
at little expense, from these islands rather than from
Espafia. For their entrances from that side are diffi-
cult to find, and from this side one cannot go astray,
nor is there any obstacle. The first year after Gomez
Perez de las Marinas arrived in this country as
governor, he conferred with me about sending me to
explore the strait of Danian. By reason of the ex-
pedition which he intended to make to Maluco, he
deferred the other; and when he was so unfortunately
killed it put an end to the project. He, I believe,
** Sedefio, as vice-provindal of his order in the islands, fovemed
all its missions there. On a journey of in^)ection he suffered
greatly from the hardships of a stormy voyagfi and died at Cebii
on September i, 1595. La Concepdon g;ives an interesting sketch
of his life and labors, in Hist, de PhUipinas^ iii, pp. 7-12. Before
coming to the Philippines, Sedefio had accompanied the expeditions
of Pedro Melendez in Florida.
312 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS CV0L9
would have far advanced the affairs of these parts ii
be had lived, and would have done good service for
your Majesty, judging by the valor and zeal which he
showed; and his absence, and the need for him, have
brought this city to a sense of what they owe him, and
now tiiey deplore his loss.
I have given this brief account to your Majesty,
begging humbly that you will pardon my boldness
(which zca! for your royal service and the good of
these regions has caused) in advising your Majesty^
that you may sec how glorious opportunities our
Lord God has kept for you to extend and widen out
the holy Catholic faith. But it is necessary that your
Majesty should entrust this to a person of high rank
and great worthy and that he should not come for a
limited time, with the intention of gathering riches
and the fruit of the land, and then returning; for
those who have this intention will not be watchful for
its welfare, nor zealous for the honor of God and for
the «^ervicc of vnur Majesrv. I have informed the
governor of these islands, Don Francisco Tello, of
this, so that he may write to your Majesty and make
use of the opportunities which are offered him. I
know not what he will do. May our Lord God, for
whom we labor, protect your Majesty many years,
according to the needs of Christendom, and augment
your estate with greater lands and majesty, for His
glory and the good of . . . may it prosper.
Manila, June 27, 1597.
[Endorsed : "Examined on the thirteenth of
September of 1599. As to what he says of the astro-
labe, have a copy made and delivered to Cespedes,
that he may examine it and give his opinion in regard
to it. As for the rest, join everything in regard to this
I593-I597] ON NAVIGATION AND CONQUEST 313
matter, and have all the papers brought in a
bundle."]
{^Memoranda at beginning of document: "Me-
morial addressed to the king, dated at Manila on
June 27, 1597, by Colonel Hernando de los Rios,
which gives an account of a book which he is engaged
in composing, concerning the approved usage and
art of navigation, and of the importance of taking
a port on the mainland of China, and particularly in
the island of Hermosa, of which he gives a very cir-
cumstantial description, accompanying it with his
map, and finally a very valuable discourse on the two
routes which are the most expeditious and direct for
navigation from SpaAa to those kingdoms, that can be
found. The first is through a channel or narrowing
of the sea which enters Nuebo Mexico above Florida
at forty-five degrees latitude, according to the infor-
mation received from Father Federico of the
Society of Jesus, and from a friar of the order of St.
Augustine, who was very learned in cosmog-
raphy, and who died in that city. The other is
through the strait called Anian. There is inserted
in the said memorial a relation which was left writ-
ten by Fray Martin de Rada, of the order of St.
Augustine. It was received from a Vizcayan named
Juanes de Rivas, a native of San Sevastian, wherein
he sets forth that various Portuguese have passed by
that way to Yndia and China, and by way of Ucheo
returned to Lisboa in forty-five days of voyage. He
gives a condensed description of the ship's courses,
and the navigation which must be accomplished until
they have arrived in the harbor, either here or in
China, etc., etc.
Memorial directed to the king of Espafia by Benito
314
THE PHIUPPINE ISUNDS
tVoLg
Escoto, a Genoese noble, in the year 1616, giving an
iccounl of a certain method which he had discovered
of putting together certain tables of longitudes la
maririmc voyages and navigation, etc.; and to find
that navigation which, up to that cime^ so many
serious men and mariners had sought and had not
found - namely, the passage by the northern part of
China, Japon, Malucas, and Philipinas, with a con-
densed discourse concerning the advantages which
will accrue from the proposed action. And in con-
tinuation a letter from the prior of the convent of
Santa Maria, written to , , . in recommenda-
tion of the good circumstances and worthy qualities
both of the author and his work/']
LETTER FROM LUIS PEREZ DASMARI-
NAS TO FELIPE II
Sire:
Although the duties and obligations of my office
are ended, I have no less obligation as a private indi-
vidual for the service of God and your Majesty.
That service and recognition is due while 4ife shall
last, and therefore it does not seem as if I were ful-
filling my duty by keeping silent and not informing
your Majesty of some things which have been pro-
posed and set forth elsewhere. I beseech your Maj-
esty to be pleased to regard and consider them as
things very important to the service of God and of
your Majesty.
What I have thought fit to submit particularly to
your Majesty are the injuries, hindrances, contradic-
tions, and great disturbances which are experienced
here, whence follow results very offensive and con-
trary to the service of God our Lord, and of your
Majesty. They are also prejudicial to the common
spiritual and temporal good of this land, and the
quiet, safety, and preservation of these districts and
islands, and of the vassals who live and serve your
Majesty here. One (and a general) injury is the
unrestricted presence of a great number of Sangleys
or Chinese heathen who live and mingle freely with
3l6 ^^^EPHIUPPInRsL^D^^^ fVoLg
US and the natives of these inlands in their trading
ocojpattont, and business. They serve but to con-
sume, make i»:arce^ and enhance the price of both
supplies and money, and to cause uneasiness, fears,
and distrust* Of all the aforesaid we have had expe-
rience, and the particular instances are not referred
to, in order to avoid prolixity. On occasions when
there are expeditions, or when it may be expedient to
make them, there are some persons %vho do not desire
to do so -either for their own interests or con-
venience, or for other considerations, ends, and
motives which they have for opposing the accom-
plishment of the expedition. They say that there arc
many Sangleys in the land who are inclined or arc
able to revolt This and other things they say in
excuse; but although this consideration and caution
should not be condemned but praised, together with
everything else which may be classed under the name
and title of preservation, I doubt whether they are
always most advantageous to the service of God and
of your Majesty. 1 am only certain that it is of great
importance to be rid of these disturbances and con-
tradictions, which are contrary to all good. These
heathen are the whole year living on, and, little by
little, consuming and obtaining, the goods and money
of the state in their traffic, business, and occupations.
This does not take into account the sale and profitable
trade in merchandise which takes place every year.
All the money goes and passes to China, and remains
there from year to year and in fact always. Although
it is true that the profitable trade and sale of mer-
chandise is the sinew and support of this state, and
very necessary, and cannot nor should be checked,
nevertheless, it would at least be fitting for the Chris-
I593-I597] DASMARINAS TO FELIPE II 317
tians to gain what is gained by the heathen from year
to year in these islands and state, in their damaging
trades and occupations. Thus would a great part of
the poverty and necessity of the Christians be done
away with, and they would be relieved, maintained,
and aided. They could live more comfortably, and
there would be avoided the inconveniences of dis-
content, murmuring, and offense, which exist when
the people see themselves so little favored, helped,
and appreciated. They become discouraged with the
condition of affairs when they see that the heathen
are much more favored and treated more kindly by us
than they themselves, solely for the advantage arising
from what they give, and greed for it. They carry
on their pretensions and business with us while we
ourselves fail in many respects to give an example of
Christian charity which should be observed, and to
show the zeal and consideration which is due to the
service of God our Lord and the common good. The
evils which may result from trading are very com-
mon, and these heathen secure many things which
they desire, and obtain by means of payment and re-
ward. In doing this, although they are exceedingly
avaricious, yet in behalf of their vices, unchastity, and
abominations, and for their wishes and desires, for the
sake of gain and profit, they do not stop at trifles ; nor
are they stingy and careless, but open-handed and
generous, and endeavor and negotiate in a thousand
ways to procure what they purpose and desire. The
Spaniards themselves favor, intercede and negotiate
for them for the sake of their own private interest
and their gain in doing so. This manner of carrying
on affairs has been continued until they are now ac-
customed to it and perhaps confident therein because
3l8 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [Vci^
of their experience ia conducting business in this way.
In addition to this, there has been negligence and
lajcity in enforcing decrees in their cases, thereby
causing the heathen to hold the orders given them in
but little estimation, and with good reason to mock and
jest, and make sport of our mode of government and
our decrees. It if almost impossible^ or exceedingly
difficult, to enforce or execute the Jatter, or to remedy
the ver>^ great inconveniences which result and arc
caused by these heathen, because of the many de-
fenders whom they have and find for their preten-
sions. Two things in regard to these people arc most
worthy of consideration. One is that, as these people
mingle so freely and at large among the natives in
these islands for their trading and business^ they can
very easily under this pretext and appearance with alt
safety, security, and freedom, investigate and note the
ports, islands, and settlements; they can also see how
careless and negligent the forces have become, and
can observe the lack of troops, forces, and defense
from which we suflfer. Thus they may dare to in-
terfere, and can bring to these islands any enemy or
enemies whatsoever, who are covetous of the islands;
or they may plan some alliance and deviltry with the
natives. The latter being aggrieved, querulous, and
dissatisfied can be moved by their persuasions, or in-
clined and persuaded toward their trafi[ic, modes, and
customs of more gain, comfort, and liberty, with less
subjection, oppression, and ill-treatment, than are suf-
fered and received by many. Consequently, there is
no little cause, disposition, and opportunity for any
evil whatsoever, since we are so confident and these
Sangleys are a people very covetous, cunning, and
treacherous - as has been experienced in the mutiny
I593-I597] DASMARISAS TO FELIPE II 319
on a ship and the killing of the Spaniards who were
on their way to the province of Cagayan, a few days
ago. There was also the rebellion of Cayalera, so
costly, severe, and injurious, and which hindered so
greatly the service of God and of your Majesty, which
was to have been accomplished. There was after-
ward the case of another ship of Portuguese and re-
ligious, which was bound for Malaca; and now this
year, but a few days ago, a ship, with about thirty
Spaniards aboard, was going to the island of Min-
danao. Many were killed, and the few who escaped
were wounded and injured. The second point is
that, in addition to what has been said about this na-
tion, they have unchaste, shameless, and abominable
ways of life and customs. Besides having enough
proof and experience to be able to say this, I certify to
the truth of having heard this from a religious - a
man very zealous in the service of our Lord and a
minister who has charge of the Sangleys at present.
The Christian Sangleys who had acquired sufficient
knowledge and experience before conversion, tell of
the habits, customs, and mode of life of the heathen.
Those who were born, or reared from childhood, in
these islands have heard and noted this. They say
that they would dare to certify or swear that at a cer-
tain age all, from the sons of great mandarins down to
the lowest class, are guilty of one vile and abominable
sin. There is a wicked rumor here that even their
king himself is no exception. That this evil exists
among this people, is not only declared, but it is a
thing which has been proved, and investigated on
complaint, and has at times been punished by justice.
This is the case. Sire, and the number of infidels here
is very great; for in the past year, ninety-six, more
320 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS fVciLg
than twenty- four thousand persons were said to have
coffic* Thirteen thousand were sent away from the
country, and the number would have been greater if
the ships from CasiiUa had arrived, thus supplying
means for deporting more. These people come to
these islands and settlements, and trade very freely
with the natives, who are natu rally weak and covet-
ous; and, too, they remain constantly with us. Many
of them live and sleep within the city and in the
houses of the Spaniards, whose wives, children, men
and women servants - and of theie last, not a few -
arc there also. Even if there were no more evils and
opportunity* for wrong than for these women and
children to be eyewitnesses of what happens in houses
where there arc people so vile, bold, vicious, and
shameless - who arc, although generous^ covetous,
cunning, and treacherous- these alone are sufficient
evils and causes for Spaniards not to permit the Sang*
leys, or consent, as they do, to their staying in their
houses* This they allow on account of the gain, rent,
and payments given them, and for greater conven-
ience and shortening of their own labors. Conse-
quently, these people are not separated on account of
their aforesaid customs, nor of the danger and oppor-
tunity offered them for connivance and knavery.
They could bum the city in a night; and should they
rise, they could before the blow was felt kill with
their weapons many of the persons who keep and per-
mit them to stay in their own houses, finding them
asleep and unaware ; and they know very well how to
do it, to our cost and injury. But neither this injuri-
ous and painful experience, nor all the aforesaid dan-
gers, are sufficient to check or remedy this grave evil.
It is greed which is the road and means of perdition,
I593-I597] DASMARISAS TO FELIPE II 321
and which destroys, corrupts, perverts, and hinders
everything; this it is that jeopardizes and has, per-
haps, embarrassed, checked, diminished, and re-
stricted the service of God and of your Majesty, and
the welfare, honor, and prosperity of your vassals in
this land. Thereby have been retarded in this new
world the good and fruitful spiritual and temporal
results which would, perhaps, have been realized ere
this, were the desire for money less, and the love, zeal,
and desire for the service and glory of our Lord
greater. There should be more interest in the com-
mon good and less self-interest, which is the loss,
impediment, and ruin of everything. Indeed, this
greed and covetousness is the knot, tie, and strong
bond between us and this nation, so different, injuri-
ous, and contrary to our own, as experience and past
events have shown. It is an expedient of the devil
that this people shall obtain all or nearly all that they
want. As their communication, presence, and trade
is so prejudicial, and as from it and their interest and
greed result so many common evils and great sins,
abominations, and offenses to our Lord, it seems as if
His Divine Majesty were taking a hand in this and
punishing the offenses of those who are in this land, as
also our neglect of correcting them, and our lack of
zeal for His honor and service -both by our great
loss of property, and by this nation, and the injuries
that we have received from them, and our mishaps
with them, since thus we lay ourselves open and de-
serve to be punished. It seems that He punishes them
too with us, by the injuries, afflictions, and annoy-
ances that they suffer. And thus His Divine Majesty
is punishing both nations. For except for self-interest
as a medium, we are mutually contrary and hateful.
322 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [V0L9
[The rest of the letter is badly torn, but a sufficient
amount remains for the general meaning to be discov-
ered. The writer calls for the expulsion of the
Sangleys so far as this is possible* The city desires
them to remain only from avarice, desiring the rents
from their shops, and the profits arising from their
business. The Sanglcys have corrupted some of the
most illustrious persons in the country. Severity is
requisite,]
June 28, 1597,
Luis Perez Dasniarinas
Nt^tes regarding the Sangleys
First, it is meet that the governor order, with all
care and exactness, an investigation and exact and
unexaggerated calculation to be made of the number
of Sanglcys who are needed in the ordinary and neces-
sary occupations for the service of the commonwealth,
in this city of Manila^ and in Cagayan and Cibu.
This dnne, it should be ordered and brought about
that the Christians occupy and serve in those occupa-
tions which they understand and formerly filled.
Thus it will follow that fewer heathen will serve in
these occupations; and that the Christians will profit
thereby, and will be occupied and provided for, and
many other difficulties and injuries would thus cease.
And then, having diminished the number of Chris-
tians who understand and can be used in occupations,
and having left, as is necessary to the service of the
commonwealth the required number of heathen, who
are not imprudent or gamblers (for there are many
who are too dangerous and cunning to be permitted
to remain), all the other heathen Sangleys of these
islands should be collected, put on vessels, and sent
I593-I597] DASMARIRAS TO FELIPE II 323
back to their own lands, with great care, rigor, and
despatch. This diligence should last until this
country is cleansed and freed from people so injurious
to it.
But I must also say, in order to relieve my con-
science, that the person to whom this business and the
execution thereof is entrusted should be worthy of
the greatest confidence, and as good a Christian as
can be found. He should claim no temporal interests,
but look only to the service of God our Lord, and that
of your Majesty, and to the common welfare of this
land. If he be not such a one, no better opportunity
could be imagined for large thefts and substantial
bribes, involving thousands of pesos, thus failing to
provide the relief which is meet and due.
Item : That every year, as some Sangleys are con-
verted and made Christians, care be taken that they
be given occupation, and an equal number of heathen
who have hitherto filled positions be expelled.
Item : That in the trading-ships which come every
year, it be not permitted to bring more than the sailors
necessary for the care of the vessels (according to the
capacity and tonnage of the ship), and the merchants
who come with their property. The latter must re-
turn to their laiid that same year after the sale of their
goods, and must not remain in the country; nor shall
they be permitted to do so for any reason whatever.
The ship shall return with all the persons whom it
brought, together with those who came before and
had remained in the country.
Item: In no case shall license or permission be
given for heathen Sangleys to carry on trade and con-
tracts, sales, and business in these islands and at large
among the natives. The Christians, however, shall
324 THE PHILIFPrNE ISLANDS lY^ 9
be allowed such occupation for their convenience aad
greater safety, and in order to avoid many distrusts^
dangers, and troubles,
I tern I No Sangley who is not a Christian should
be allowed to go inland more than two Icguas from the
city, or remain or trade in the settlements of the
natives, especially those of Christians, under a severe
penalty for doing so, and one much greater to the
magistrate who should consent thereto.
liem : It is meet that the religious do not keep or
aid heathen Sangleys, in their convents and districts,
by giving them advantages and employments; for
these may be accomplished by the natives, without
employing the Sangley s, thus avoiding no few incon-
veniences, as can be seen and understood. It is
scarcely less (and perhaps even more) to the service
of our Lord that these works be postponed somewhat,
or that some of them which are less urgent be aban-
doned ; as it is not meet that for neatness or greater
excellence in the work, the Sangleys live as they do
at present.
Item : That to no heathen Sangley should be given
license to make rice-wine as so much of this is con-
sumed. If license be granted it should be to some
poor Christians, in order to aid and relieve their
necessity.
Item : It is of great importance that neither con-
sent nor permission be given to any Sangleys to en-
joy or exercise any occupation whatever, outside of
the parian and the public place assigned to them and
to the service of the state. They should not be
allowed either to live and remain during the day, or
to sleep at night, in the city, in any convent or in any
house of any citizen of whatsoever rank, under a
1593-1597] DASMARIRAS TO FELIPE II 325
heavy penalty. Upon the citizen who should consent
to and conceal this act, it is meet that a greater penalty
be imposed and executed. It would even be proper
to add to the penalty incurred by him in person and
estate the penalty for treason to the service of your
Majesty, and to punish the guilty person as a traitor.
Thus would this evil be corrected and remedied ; for
it is a pity, sorrow, and shame, that it should exist and
be permitted for the aforesaid causes and reasons.
Consequently, it is meet that the penalty be executed
with more severity on the citizens, since - as they are
responsible for the greatest injury, and are most to
blame ~ from them must emanate the remedy, which
consists of applying severity and chastisement.
Luis Perez Dasmarinas
I
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL DATA
The royal decree of April 27, 1594, is taken from
Santa Ines's Cronica^ ii, p. 607; those of June 17,
1595, and March 20 and May 15, 1596, from Doc.
ined. Amir, y Oceania^ xxxiv, pp. 86-98 and 101-103.
All the other documents in this volume are obtained
from original MSS. in the Archivo general de In-
dias, their respective pressmarks being as follows :
1. Second embassy to Japan -First part: " Si-
mancas- Secular; Audiencia de Filipinas; Cartas y
espedientes del gobernador de Filipinas vistos en el
Consejo; aftos 1567 a 1599; est. 67, caj. 6, leg. 6."
Second part: " Simancas - Filipinas; descubrimien-
tos, descripciones y poblaciones de las Yslas Filipi-
nas; afios de 1582 a 1606; est. i, caj. i, leg. 3125,
ramo 50."
2. Letters from G. P. Das mariHas.- June 20:
The same as No. i, second part (but no ramo).
September 27: " Simancas ~ Filipinas ; cartas y es-
pedientes del presidente y oidores de dha Audiencia
vistos en el Consejo; aflos de 1583 a i6c»; est. 67, caj.
6, leg. 18."
3. Memorandum of troops.- The same as No. 2,
first part.
4. List of Philippine villages.- " Simancas - Sec-
ular; Audiencia de Filipinas; cartas y expedientes
328 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [VoL 9
del presidenie y oidores de dha Audiencia vistoi en
el Conscjo; aflos de 1583 a 1599; est 67, caj. 6, leg,
5. Letter to king of Cambaja^ 1 594 - The same as
No. 4.
6. Investigaiion of the hospital- The same as No.
2» first part
7. Report by Ortega- *^ Simancas - Eclesiastico;
Audiencia de Fill pin as; cartas y espedientes de re*
ligiosos misioneros de Filipinas vistos en el Consejo;
afios 1569 a 1616; est 68, caj. i^ leg. 37/'
8* Reply to Japanese emperor -The. same as No.
1 1 first part
9, Letters from L. P, Das ma rifiasj June, 1594.-
The same as No. 4 (except that of June 22, the same
as No. I J first part).
10* Leiier from Carbajal -The same as No. i,
first part
II* Letter from Morga^ 1595*- The same as
No, 4^
12. Expedition to Camboja, and Instructions to
Figueroa.-Tht same as No. 2 (letter of June 20).
13. Re'establishment of Audiencia -^^ Audiencia,
de Filipinas; registros de oficio y partes; reales orde-
nes dirigidas a las autoridades y particulares del dis-
trito de la Audiencia; aflos de 1568 a 1605; est 105,
caj. 2, leg. II, libro 2, fol. looa-ioib."
14. Letter from DasmarinaSy December 6, 1595.-
The same as No. 4.
15. Instructions for Tello-Thc same as No. 13
(except fol. 146-170).
16. Letters from Dasmarifias and others ^ June-
July, 1 596.- The same as No. 4.
17. Pacification of Mindanao,- The same as No.
1593-1597] DASMARlfjAS TO FELIPE II 319
on a ship and the killing of the Spaniards who were
on their way to the province of Cagayan, a few days
ago. There was also the rebellion of Cayalera, so
costly, severe, and injurious, and which hindered so
greatly the service of God and of your Majesty, which
was to have been accomplished. There was after-
ward the case of another ship of Portuguese and re-
ligious, which was bound for Malaca; and now this
year, but a few days ago, a ship, with about thirty
Spaniards aboard, was going to the island of Min-
danao. Many were killed, and the few who escaped
were wounded and injured. The second point is
that, in addition to what has been said about this na-
tion, they have unchaste, shameless, and abominable
ways of life and customs. Besides having enough
proof and experience to be able to say this, I certify to
the truth of having heard this from a religious - a
man very zealous in the service of our Lord and a
minister who has charge of the Sangleys at present
The Christian Sangleys who had acquired sufficient
knowledge and experience before conversion, tell of
the habits, customs, and mode of life of the heathen.
Those who were born, or reared from childhood, in
these islands have heard and noted this. They say
that they would dare to certify or swear that at a cer-
tain age all, from the sons of great mandarins down to
the lowest class, are guilty of one vile and abominable
sin. There is a wicked rumor here that even their
king himself is no exception. That this evil exists
among this people, is not only declared, but it is a
thing which has been proved, and investigated on
complaint, and has at times been punished by justice.
This is the case, Sire, and the number of infidels here
is very great; for in the past year, ninety-six, more
3l8 THE PHIUPPrNE ISLANDS [VoL 9
of their experience in conducting business in this way.
In addition to this, there has been negligence and
laxity in enforcing decrees in their cases, thereby
causing the heathen to hold the orders given them in
but little estimation^ and with good reason to mock and
jest, and make sport of our mode of government and
our decrees. It is almost impossiblcj or exceedingly
difficult, to enforce or execute the latter, or to remedy
the very great inconveniences which result and are
caused by these heathen^ because of the many de-
fenders whom they have and find for their preten-
sions. Two things in regard to these people are most
worthy of consideration. One is rhat^ as these people
mingle so freely and at large among the natives in
these islands for their trading and business, they can
very easily under this pretext and appearance with all
safety, security, and freedom, investigate and note the
ports, islands, and settlements; they can also see how
careless and negligent the forces have become, and
can obsen^e the lack of troops, forces, and defense
from whicn we suiter. 1 hus they may dare to in-
terfere, and can bring to these islands any enemy or
enemies whatsoever, who are covetous of the islands;
or they may plan some alliance and deviltry with the
natives. The latter being aggrieved, querulous, and
dissatisfied can be moved by their persuasions, or in-
clined and persuaded toward their traffic, modes, and
customs of more gain, comfort, and liberty, with less
subjection, oppression, and ill-treatment, than are suf-
fered and received by many. Consequently, there is
no little cause, disposition, and opportunity for any
evil whatsoever, since we are so confident and these
Sangleys are a people very covetous, cunning, and
treacherous - as has been experienced in the mutiny
I593-I597] DASMARIRAS TO FELIPE II 319
on a ship and the killing of the Spaniards who were
on their way to the province of Cagayan, a few days
ago. There was also the rebellion of Cayalera, so
costly, severe, and injurious, and which hindered so
greatly the service of God and of your Majesty, which
was to have been accomplished. There was after-
ward the case of another ship of Portuguese and re-
ligious, which was bound for Malaca; and now this
year, but a few days ago, a ship, with about thirty
Spaniards aboard, was going to the island of Min-
danao. Many were killed, and the few who escaped
were wounded and injured. The second point is
that, in addition to what has been said about this na-
tion, they have unchaste, shameless, and abominable
ways of life and customs. Besides having enough
proof and experience to be able to say this, I certify to
the truth of having heard this from a religious -a
man very zealous in the service of our Lord and a
minister who has charge of the Sangleys at present.
The Christian Sangleys who had acquired sufficient
knowledge and experience before conversion, tell of
the habits, customs, and mode of life of the heathen.
Those who were born, or reared from childhood, in
these islands have heard and noted this. They say
that they would dare to certify or swear that at a cer-
tain age all, from the sons of great mandarins down to
the lowest class, are guilty of one vile and abominable
sin. There is a wicked rumor here that even their
king himself is no exception. That this evil exists
among this people, is not only declared, but it is a
thing which has been proved, and investigated on
complaint, and has at times been punished by justice.
This is the case. Sire, and the number of infidels here
is very great; for in the past year, ninety-six, more
3l8 THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS [VoL g
of their experience in conducting business in this way.
In addition lo this, there has been negligence and
laxity in enforcing decrees in their cascs^ thereby
causing the heathen to hold the orders given them in
but little estimation^ and with good reason to mock and
jest, and make sport of our mode of government and
our decrees. It is almost impossible, or exceedingly
dilTicuk, to enforce or execute the latter, or to remedy
the very great inconveniences which result and are
caused by these heathen, because of the many de-
fenders whom they have and find for their pre ten*
sions. Two things in regard to these people are most
worthy of consideration. One is that^ as these people
mingle so freely and at large among the natives in
these islands for their trading and business, they can
very easily under this pretext and appearance with all
safety, security, and freedom, investigate and note the
ports, islands, and settlements; they can also see how
careless and negligent the forces have become, and
can observe the lack of troops, forces, and defense
from which we suffer. Thus they may dare to in-
terfere, and can bring to these islands any enemy or
enemies whatsoever, who are covetous of the islands;
or they may plan some alliance and deviltry with the
natives. The latter being aggrieved, querulous, and
dissatisfied can be moved by their persuasions, or in-
clined and persuaded toward their traffic, modes, and
customs of more gain, comfort, and liberty, with less
subjection, oppression, and ill-treatment, than are suf-
fered and received by many. Consequently, there is
no little cause, disposition, and opportunity for any
evil whatsoever, since we are so confident and these
Sangleys are a people very covetous, cunning, and
treacherous - as has been experienced in the mutiny
1593-1597] DASMARlfjAS TO FELIPE II 319
on a ship and the killing of the Spaniards who were
on their way to the province of Cagayan, a few days
ago. There was also the rebellion of Cayalera, so
costly, severe, and injurious, and which hindered so
greatly the service of God and of your Majesty, which
was to have been accomplished. There was after-
ward the case of another ship of Portuguese and re-
ligious, which was bound for Malaca; and now this
year, but a few days ago, a ship, with about thirty
Spaniards aboard, was going to the island of Min-
danao. Many were killed, and the few who escaped
were wounded and injured. The second point is
that, in addition to what has been said about this na-
tion, they have unchaste, shameless, and abominable
ways of life and customs. Besides having enough
proof and experience to be able to say this, I certify to
the truth of having heard this from a religious - a
man very zealous in the service of our Lord and a
minister who has charge of the Sangleys at present
The Christian Sangleys who had acquired sufficient
knowledge and experience before conversion, tell of
the habits, customs, and mode of life of the heathen.
Those who were born, or reared from childhood, in
these islands have heard and noted this. They say
that they would dare to certify or swear that at a cer-
tain age all, from the sons of great mandarins down to
the lowest class, are guilty of one vile and abominable
sin. There is a wicked rumor here that even their
king himself is no exception. That this evil exists
among this people, is not only declared, but it is a
thing which has been proved, and investigated on
complaint, and has at times been punished by justice.
This is the case. Sire, and the number of infidels here
is very great; for in the past year, ninety-six, more
r/
STANFORD UNIVEf
STANFORD AUXH
STANFORD, CALJFOfi
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